Chef raves about ancient Nottinghamshire pub that serves 'perfect steaks and old school desserts'

You really can’t beat a word-of-mouth recommendation for a restaurant, and who better to know what’s hot and what’s not, than someone who actually works in the food industry?

As part of our Chefs Recommendations Series, we speak to local chefs and food heroes to discover more about the places they rate.

A talented chef in the hot seat is Troy Lamb, a Worksop-born chef who started in the industry at just 15-years-old.

READ MORE: Nottingham food and drink

His experience includes award-winning restaurateur of Mansfield-based, Lambs At The Market, which was the only restaurant in town to be given Rosette status and inclusion in both the Good Food & Michelin Guide. 

Troy now provides event catering and creates street food and festival food dishes at Blacksheep Catering which he heads up.

Making the move from fine dining to large-scale catering has seen Troy work with mega brand Motor Sport Vision, Europe’s largest motor racing circuit operator, based at Donington Park Circuit. 

Troy’s dishes can be seen at high-profile events such as World Superbike British Touring Car Championships, and Download Festival, bringing street food and hospitality dining to the masses.

Troy's top picks

The Black Bull, Bildworth

Based on the edge of Sherwood Forest, this characterful pub has two AA Rosettes.

Troy is a fan of the meat-led menu that uses locally sourced ingredients to transform pub favourites in a ‘playful and unique’ way.

Troy said: “Food at The Black Bull is always flavour-driven and there are always fresh dishes on the menu. I love taking the family there, my youngest loves the soup and freshly baked bread. 

“Personal highlights are chicken and duck liver parfait and dry-aged beef. Sunday lunches are a must with their roast meats and puddings.

“Service is very friendly, warm and welcoming too.”

Address: Main Street, Blidworth, Mansfield NG21 0QH

The Railway, Lowdham

Speaking about this multi-award-winning gastropub, Troy said: “Old friend Mark Osbourne and his team have built up a mini empire of pubs across the county.

“They’re doing great pub classics using quality sourced ingredients.

“Steaks are always cooked to perfection and my favourite is the Ribeye, although pork belly is up there with the best too.

“They have a great choice of starters and old-school desserts too.

“It’s a great Sunday lunch venue, and a proper pub environment for all the family.”

Troy is a fan of Steak Night, which he says uses a wide range of cuts, and are “great value.” 

Address: Station Road, Lowdham, Nottingham NG14 7DU

Bar Iberico, Nottingham

This all-day tapas bar in the bustling Hockley area is one of Troy’s favourite dining spots.

He said: “Spanish food is a love of mine, so Bar Iberico helps me get my fix during the holiday blues.

“There’s a casual dining vibe, it’s always busy, so I always feel lucky to grab a table.”

It is one menu in particular that has caught Troy’s attention.

He said: “Menu Rapido [three dishes for £16.95] offers great value for lunch.

“Quality meat is cooked in their Josper Grill. 

“Personal favorites are Catalan bread, ham croquettes, beef skewers and lamb Morunos Pinchos - I need that Chimichurri recipe in my life!!!”

Address: 17-19 Carlton Street, Nottingham NG1 1NL

Top food suppliers in Nottingham and the UK

In addition to eateries, Troy is keen to acknowledge local suppliers who he says are ‘the best in the country.’

JT Beedham & Sons - butchers

This award-winning butcher’s offering includes 25 varieties of sausage and chorizo-style Hungarian meat treat whose recipe is a closely guarded secret. 

Troy said: “Johnny Pusztai is a great friend, his cured meats and sausages are the best in the country.

"Any menu featuring his produce is worth checking out.”

Address: 554-556 Mansfield Road, Sherwood, Nottingham NG5 2JL

Tori & Ben’s - farm shop

Provenance and responsible farming is what this Derbyshire based shop is all about.

Troy said: “I am fortunate to have this farm shop on my doorstep which is ‘farm to fork’ at its best.

“The aged beef is some of the best I’ve tasted and their award-winning burgers are a hit with the circuit spectators.”

Address:  Kings Newton Melbourne, Kings Newton Lane, Derby DE73 8DD

To learn more about Troy visit his social media by clicking here.