Festive Feasting at The Forge: A Culinary Coal-Fired Journey #Out and About

Victoria Hayes
19th December 2023

Chester’s festive spirit is burning bright, and where better to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds than at The Forge? This week, nestled within the stylish Hotel Indigo, we experienced a Christmas culinary journey that left us glowing as brightly as the twinkling lights adorning the city.

From the moment we arrived, we were treated with the gracious hospitality of Scott, the charismatic manager who oversees both The Forge and the hotel. As the flames danced in the open kitchen, we sipped stunning cocktails. Let me confess, the Java Old Fashioned stole my heart (or perhaps it was the festive spirit!) with its smooth and smoky depths.

A parade of culinary delights followed, each course expertly crafted over coals. The bread and miso butter were a simple symphony of textures and flavours, setting the stage for the starters. Briony’s Cured North Sea salmon was a vibrant dance of sea and earth, while my Stout and treacle braised beef cheek was a melt-in-your-mouth comfort food dream.

The main courses truly brought the fire. Briony’s Scottish Highland Venison was a tender ode to the season, accompanied by a symphony of earthy mushrooms and fragrant curried parsnips. My Glazed Merrifield duck breast was a symphony of sweet and savoury, the confit leg adding a depth that was perfectly balanced by the BBQ pumpkin and tart cranberry. Of course, a flawless Rioja flowed throughout, enhancing every flavour.

As the main courses arrived, it wasn’t just the stunning proteins that stole the show. The supporting cast of sides played a vital role in this culinary masterpiece. Maple glazed piccolo parsnips glistening with a sweet and sticky lacquer. The “dirty” mash, infused with the earthy richness of roasted garlic and herbs, was a decadent counterpoint to the delicate venison. And the triple-cooked chips, golden and fluffy on the inside, crisp and irresistible on the outside, were the kind of potato perfection that begs for second helpings (which we, with no shame, indulged in). These culinary sidekicks weren’t mere afterthoughts; they were integral elements of the symphony of flavours that made our experience at The Forge truly unforgettable.

So, when you embark on your own festive journey to The Forge, be sure to savour not just the stars of the show, but also the talented supporting cast of sides. They’ll add a whole new dimension to your culinary adventure and leave you singing praises long after the last bite.

Service was immaculate, each dish presented with artistry and explained with passion. The warmth of the venue added to the intimate and festive atmosphere. We truly felt pampered, like guests at a cosy Christmas feast.

Desserts arrived, offering a bittersweet farewell to the culinary journey. Briony’s selection of British cheeses was a perfect finale, a celebration of local delights. My “Apple Crumble” was a modern masterpiece, a deconstructed reinvention that sent sweet, caramelized apple flavours dancing on my palate.

The Forge is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of British food, beautifully cooked and served with passion. It’s a warmth that lingers long after the last bite, like the embers of a festive fire. If you’re seeking a culinary escape this Christmas, The Forge is your destination. Let the flames guide you, and prepare to be dazzled by a feast fit for the season.