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Dining Out -
Elephant and Castle, Hemingfield
with Sam McQueen
 Tucked away by the Elsecar Canal the Elephant and Castle is one of those places with a warm cosy feel to it.
This is enhanced by the welcome from Ashley and Clare. They have been here for three years and, despite two floodings, have built up a thriving business.
My companion for the night, Elizabeth, and myself were quite taken with the extent of the menu. Clare informed us that their clientele comes from a wide area and they cater for a variety of tastes. Elizabeth decided on the garlic mushrooms for her appetiser which surprised her with its creamy texture. I ordered the soup of the day, potato and leek, thick and wholesome, which came with fresh crusty bread and butter.
Determined to take the positives, Clare and Ashley had refurbished the Elephant and Castle in the aftermath of one of the floods. It can now seat between 40 and 45 people comfortably, ideal for the events such as weddings and christenings which they are increasingly catering for. They have even provided tables outside ready for the better weather.
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The chef, Brett Copley, is encouraged to experiment and so I went off the traditional menu for my main course and to the specials board for something more unusual, beer-battered haddock. Fish is delivered fresh every Wednesday. The haddock was large, the batter giving it a definite extra tang, and it was served with hand-cut thick chips and mushy peas. Continuing the fishy theme, and from among the chicken, lamb, pasta, and even swordfish dishes, Elizabeth chose the poached salmon supreme presented on a bed of tagliatelle with a dill sauce. Elizabeth has a way with words and the one she came up with for the salmon was succulent.
Although almost ready to burst, Elizabeth and I had to sample the dessert menu. My chocolate waffle was soft and moist, while my friend's What-a-lot-of-toffee was nothing short of, as she put it, scrumdiddly! Both got ten out of ten, not only for taste, but for presentation too.
