Winter comfort at No.26, Aston Marina
Landlocked Staffordshire isn’t commonly known for its waterside dining opportunities, but tucked away on the edge of Stone – handily placed between Stoke and Stafford – is a little slice of waterside foodie heaven.
Aston Marina’s strapline ‘Waterside Indulgence’ sums up the vibe at this popular restaurant, wedding and events venue, with an emphasis on menus crafted using seasonal, locally produced ingredients.
Arriving for a 7pm booking on a damp and dark January Tuesday, we didn’t get to see much of the waterside views, but on our way toward the welcoming, twinkly lights of restaurant No.26 we did spy a cluster of prettily lit dining domes, sitting like igloos on the water’s edge.
Arriving a few minutes early, we decided to enjoy an aperitif in the bar, which stocks an impressive range of options – from locally brewed ales to draft beers, wines, spirits and house cocktails all served with a smile.
The warm and cosy welcome was reflected in the space, with lush soft furnishings, comfy seating and ambient lighting all an antidote to the typical January weather outside.
Once ready to head through to the restaurant, we were greeted by a friendly team member and shown to a table for two next to the lit wood burning stove at the heart of the dining room. Informal comfort is the theme here, with the décor giving discrete nods to the nautical with feature rope lighting, natural wood surfaces and playful fish motifs on the walls of what would be a light-flooded dining space in daylight hours.
The menu impressed with its breadth of choice and seasonality – winter classics like venison, lamb and pork belly rubbing shoulders with dishes offering global flavour and a strong selection for Vegan and Vegetarian diners, as well as ample gluten free options.
For starters, I opted for the Chicken & Vegetable Gyoza paired with an Australian Chardonnay, while by husband chose a Moroccan Spiced Lamb Flatbread alongside an Alvarinho Vino Verde.
Both dishes were generous and flavourful. The crisp Gyoza offering delicious contrast against the soft, spicy bed of noodles on which they were served, while my husband found the Moroccan lamb to be lovely and balanced with the spice offering warmth as opposed to fiery heat.
For mains, we went classic – the Herb Crushed Roast Venison and the Slow Cooked Lamb Shank – despite having been very tempted by the Confit Duck Leg Massaman.
Lamb Shank is a favourite of mine, but I always order with caution having been disappointed at other eateries. Any concerns were, however, unfounded – the lamb was delicious, melting off the bone served with an ample portion of smooth and flavourful mash, rich silky gravy and seasonal veg. The red cabbage offered delicious balance to the richness of the lamb and the sauce, and I thoroughly enjoyed my dish alongside a good glass of Primitivo.
My husband, meanwhile is a big venison fan – he was delighted to find his dish served hot, rather than warm (as if it had sat cooling on the pass) and found the flavours rich and hearty but not heavy. He even polished off the cabbage and carrot (despite neither being his favourite veg) as they were both ‘tasty’ and the Dauphinoise was ‘delicious’ and beautifully cooked. He paired this with a glass of Rioja and reported that he’d happily eat it again if he wasn’t already feeling full.
By this time we were both feeling full, but when presented with the dessert menu temptation won through. The tag-team of cherry compote, cherry liqueur syrup and almond won my husband over to the Chocolate Ganache – alongside which he enjoyed a virgin Kir Royale. I, meanwhile, went with the Raspberry Cake of the specials menu – despite being tempted by both the Apple & Blackberry Crumble and the idea of the three mini desserts with coffee.
We both thoroughly enjoyed our desserts, which were packed with flavour but not too sweet – or too heavy – at the end of three courses.
Overall, we had a delightful evening enjoying some very good food. If you like your service friendly but unobtrusive, a comfortable space to dine, flavourful food cooked with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients then No.26 Aston Marina should be on your list!
We’ll certainly be returning soon – and may even book one of those dining domes next time, to make the most of the waterside views.
