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The Earl of Strafford
A pleasant dining experience in a historical setting
By Henry Dubois
 The Earl of Strafford is a large, distinctive building located off the Doncaster Road and situated in the shadow of the medieval parish church of St John.
Listed as being of architectural and historic interest, it stands well, having large 15-light pane Georgian windows but there are older features at the rear, confirming its seventeenth century origins. This popular pub and restaurant gets its name from the illustrious and ill-fated Thomas Wentworth of nearby Wentworth Woodhouse, the first Earl of Strafford who rose to become Charles I’s chief minister. After Strafford’s execution his widow came to live here and is believed to have been buried by torchlight in the chancel, in 1688.
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 At the front of the building there is convenient parking, including disabled bays and a commodious car park at the rear. I arrived with my wife at about seven on a Thursday evening in late May, during the school half-term week. There were already plenty of diners present, a mix of couples, families and small groups enjoying a celebratory evening. The Earl of Strafford has excellent facilities for parties, with free balloons and streamers for advance bookings. We were met by Linda, one of a small team of managers who made us most welcome and showed us to our reserved table. I liked the seating arrangements. Customers have a good choice of discrete areas including the light and airy conservatory-style dining, all within easy reach of the bar. The modern decor blends well within the historic interior and it is pleasing to see that an attractive built sheltered patio area has been created in time for the no smoking ban; along with air conditioning in the main eating areas.
There’s plenty of choice on the printed menu: nine starters, ten mains plus a variety of popular grills and fish dishes. Flexibility and good value is further enhanced via ‘Combos to Share’: Mexican, Oriental and Indian; and a superb choice from the changing blackboard menu. Vegetarians are also well catered for, with at least five printed choices.
The meals are home cooked, as I can confirm when visiting the busy kitchen area where Pete and his assistants were hard at work.
The main meals range in price from about £7 to £14 and some diners take advantage of bringing along a £5 off voucher - widely available in the local Press. There is also a thoughtful children’s menu, a snack menu, and an adequate and sensibly-priced wine list. For those wanting celebratory fizz, there’s sparkling wine, even a Moet Chandon Brut Imperial for that very special occasion.
On Sunday afternoons, the traditional roast is very popular, alongside the changing choices of the special board. Safe play facilities make this an ideal family location.
For my starter I tried the Black Pudding Stack: slices of black pudding and bacon pieces topped with melted cheese, a tasty option. My wife sampled the more traditional Prawn Cocktail which included generous helpings and brown bread and butter. Spoiled for choice for the mains but I selected Mint Lamb Shoulder, well presented and tasty whilst a lighter course of Salmon, served with hollandaise sauce, new potatoes, peas and salad was also appreciated by my companion. Service was excellent via young Becky and Leanne. I also became aware of two popular specialities which looked very appetising: the Earl of Strafford Steak and Guinness Pie and an enormous, challenging ‘Cod Almighty’, the largest fish portion that I have ever seen!
The dessert menu could not be resisted. I tried the Gold Digger Chocolate Crunch, a sumptuous end to the meal while my wife preferred the generous cheese and biscuits choice - though the shared Wow Sundae was very tempting too. Tea and coffee served at the table completed an enjoyable and good value dining experience in a pleasant atmosphere.
The Earl of Strafford - Hooton Roberts, Rotherham - 01709 855861
Published Summer 2007. All information correct at time of print.
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