Duck Goose Bistro

One of the exciting things about travel is it takes you out of one’s comfort zone and nudges you to take chances of culinary discovery you may never have considered before. Like most folks who consider food experiences a high priority, we do look at the “Where to eat” suggestion sites and read reviews in helping us decide where we might like to try. However, though they may give you a sense of what you may experience and the kind of food you will have, nothing beats trying an eatery out for oneself to give those important senses the opportunity to savor what they crave.

On a recent visit to Leek in North Staffordshire, we were pleasantly surprised to find an interesting variety of eating establishments and were able to try out several. Leek is an eclectic place and that is reflected by the significant array of dining options.  One restaurant that piqued our interest was the “Duck Goose Bistro”. Constantly highly rated and praised online, we decided this should be an experience not to miss.

There is an immediate sense of calm as you enter the Duck Goose Bistro. The atmosphere and decor transport you back into a time warp of nostalgia. The restaurant has two dining areas, one at street level and one below. We dined twice and sat in the street level dining area both times. There is a magical surprise to the downstairs dining room that I will not reveal as some experiences should be discovered in that moment.

We were warmly greeted by Anita (the owner) and asked if we had a reservation (which we did) and were seated at a deuce table at the main window. Menus were presented along with a special of the evening selection sheet. Anita took time to inquire if we had eaten with them before and learning that it was our first visit she kindly and enthusiastically explained the restaurant’s philosophy and with prompting from me a little of her association and history. She is the 2^nd owner of the Duck Goose Bistro and took a giant leap of faith and chance (having never been in the restaurant industry before) to take the helm. Anita is the first to admit she is still on a giant learning curve but inherited an amazing chef and crew that together have continued the legacy created and is happily carving out her niche and stamp as the restaurant evolves.

The restaurant is located on the corner of a busy road and opposite a very busy fast-food franchise whose main traffic is pick-up, delivery and take-out. To obscure the unsightly glare, strategically painted stripes have been used on the windows of the restaurant to great effect. The soundproofing is good as any traffic noise is not a huge distraction. On the backs of the chairs were soft lap blankets which was a very nice touch. Another example of guest comfort and attention to detail is where the cocktail menu is located on the table, holding it in place is an attached monocle. This is such a whimsical and smart way to let your guests (like me who often forget their reading glasses) be able to read the menus and feel transported back in time smiling along the way.

Duck Goose Bistro is not a hurried experience; they make it clear that you should give yourselves two hours plus to dine in the evening. The reason is simple; you are there to have a dining experience, an unhurried opportunity to engage with your dining companions or contemplate with yourself if dining solo along with the opportunity to really appreciate the time it takes to produce exquisite food from scratch.  The food is meticulously prepared to order, not sitting under hot lamps or partly cooked and finished before serving. Each dish is crafted and plated to showcase the culinary artistry of the chef who uses locally sourced culinary products throughout the menu.  Whether it be a gourmet burger or a delicate as a cloud Cheddleton cheese souffle, with a spring onion cream sauce (that was one of the most delightful tasting sauces I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy anywhere, seriously they should brand it) and garnished with locally foraged garlic leaves.

It’s hard to pick standouts from the array of delicious fair we sampled, along with the aforementioned Cheddleton Cheese souffle, the Duck Goose Bistro has taken a classic staple dessert, the Crème Brulee, to a whole new dimension of flavor and texture to create one of the most delicious Crème Brulee.

At the Duck Goose Bistro, you will experience a fine dining experience for a very reasonable price in an atmosphere of subtle homage décor to the local history of the area, all served without pretense or haughty airs. The food speaks for itself as it should do. The attention to detail, flavor combinations, textures and tastes merge as good food should, to make the reward for patience so worth it.

24 St Edward Street,
Leek,
Staffordshire,
ST13 5DS,
Phone: 01538 71300