"The Crown at Elford, now brewing its own ale in-house, is a much loved and cherished pub not just with locals, but with those who drive for miles to sit with good company in a consistently cheery, comfortable setting. The Crown now houses Brisket and Brûlée, newly opened this year, and not yet received the recognition it deserves outside of locals’ knowledge. I went to the first of Brisket and Brûlée’s themed evenings, the lobster night on Saturday, 12 August. The restaurant is clean, warm, with a pleasant and lively atmosphere. The tables delicately set with much care taken not to overcrowd, with lit candles flickering, jugs of water and white napkins. We sat down at 19:30, with pints of Crown Ale from the bar, and wine ordered at the table, and were served the first course soon after; Lobster bisque with crab beignet and caviar. The bisque was silk in my throat and felt wholesome and warming. The flavour was so rich and the beignet was light and soft and subtle. Next came the sea trout gravlax, which was fresh and herby. Then it was mussels with bacon, chives, and Crown Ale sauce. The sauce was so moreish and there was plenty of it served with bread, which is just as well as there was nothing left but empty shells. (I must admit I am a sauce hog and think when a sauce is so good like this we should not be deprived of it). Next came the herb crusted cod with pea and pearl barley risotto. The herb crust was crispy and coupled nicely with creamy, thick, starchy risotto. Sweetness of pea, curry flavours and fragrances, done so well. A mango sorbet followed. I always have reservations about sorbet courses, engrained in my mind as a bit of a pompous ‘palate cleanser’, not usually necessary. But this one was actually lush, with a healthy glug of limoncello there was a lot of point to it and it was thoroughly tasty. Next was the lobster in all its glory, the claw and tail slightly sweet, meaty and salty. There was a delicious serving of lobster meat in a boozy, creamy sauce, which was my absolute favourite. I could’ve eaten a whole sink of the stuff. I melted garlic butter over fries and it was decadent, but it had to be done. The 7 courses came to a close with mini baked Alaskas with shortbread biscuit. The biscuit was the best one of its kind I’ve ever eaten. What an absolute delight the whole evening was. The service; every dish was brought out at a pace just right, the music and ambience also just right, and the thought gone into the order of the dishes was apparent as the evening flowed. The food absolutely hit the spot and more, it was the most thoughtful and carefully prepared food I’ve eaten in Tamworth and surrounding areas for sure. The presentation was dainty and wonderful and the portion sizes were perfect. We left feeling fulfilled, content, nourished, happy and all the other good words. The laughs, high vibes, and cheer from every other table in the restaurant tells me that we weren’t the only ones. Do you think Brisket and Brulee could be the ‘jewel in the crown’? pop down The Crown or book in for an upcoming themed evening, I believe the next one to be game themed. Brisket and Brûlée also host a popular pizza and pasta night on Wednesdays, a pie and pint night for £10 on Thursdays, a la carte Fridays and Saturdays and Sunday lunch on, well, Sundays."
