A STUNNING RESTAURANT in a stunning location, back on The Strait in Lincoln. The Jews House has had a well-deserved reputation as one of Lincoln’s best fine dining restaurants since it opened in 2006.

It’s a magnificent building, Grade I listed, with certain parts dating back to the 1300s. Unfortunately, the heritage of the building — whilst creating a stunning place to dine — caused significant problems when owners Gavin Aitkenhead and Samantha Tomkins wanted to re-open after a fire in January 2009.

After a full renovation though, and after satisfactorily balancing the building’s commercial purpose and the need to preserve it for future generations, the Jews House is back, and it’s better than ever.

Offering fine dining, superb front of house service and a great location on The Strait, it’s one of the best restaurants in Lincoln and should definitely feature on any gourmand’s ‘must-visit’ shortlist.

With car parking at Danesgate a short (and level) walk away, the restaurant is conveniently situated. from the outside a beautiful building gives way to a cosy dining room with quality furnishings and tasteful décor.

“It’s exactly what we were looking for in 2004 when I returned from service at Rish in York.” says Gavin. The chef spent two years at the restaurant, and before that, seven years at the two-Michelin starred Winteringham Fields under Germaine Schwab.

“We wanted our own place, somewhere homely, small, intimate and relaxed. Winteringham Fields was like that and I hope the Jews House is too. There’s a family feel to the restaurant, we’ve lots of repeat business and our diners say they feel really comfortable here.”

The dining room features artwork by former Cathedral Artist in Residence Fraser Scarfe. Silver cutlery, gleaming glassware and tealights create a cosy dining room, and there is a choice of private dining chambers too. A small lounge allows visitors to enjoy an aperitif, too.

Downstairs is the street level dining room with around 25 covers. A small number of diners keeps the atmosphere intimate and the ambience tranquil. Upstairs there are two dining rooms suitable for use as private dining chambers for private parties.

The larger of the two dining rooms is now referred to as the library room, following a quirky dressing of the walls with a ‘faux library’ motif. An open fireplace and views over the Strait adds further to its appeal.

In addition to the renovation of the dining rooms, the restaurant’s kitchens also received a makeover, with brand new equipment and more space for Gavin’s new Sous Chef.

Together, the pair have revamped the restaurant’s menus, too, with a Tapas-themed lunch menu too.

Daytime diners can enjoy three tapas for £10 or an eight course Tapas Surprise for £25. With four fish courses, four meat courses, six vegetables tapas and two ‘nibbles,’ there’s plenty of choice.

“Tapas is ideal for lunchtime dining.” says Gavin. “It’s quick, easy ‘sharing’ food. I’ve always appreciated it, but after holidaying in Barcelona recently I was reminded how sociable and leisurely it can be.”

“There’s also lots of taste, lots of flavour. It’s about ingredients coming to the fore, rather than appearance, which makes it ideal for fast, flavoursome lunchtime dining.”

For the less adventurous diner, a set menu is also available providing a choice of two starters, main courses and desserts.

A Ham Hock, Merguez chorizo and Apricot Terrine with Chicory Marmalade, Confit Belly Pork with Risotto of Shallots & Sage with Apple Purée and Pistachio Cake with Chocolate Ganache are examples of typical starters, main courses and desserts.

À la carte dining in the evening comprises a choice of five starters, Roast Pigeon with Truffle Custard, Smoked Bacon Foam and Girolles being one example. A choice of five main courses including Roast Rolled Rack of Lamb, Confit Belly & Tagine flavours follows, as does one of three desserts and a cheese option.

Presentation is first class, flavours and the use of locally sourced ingredients are innovative and whilst the restaurant is best described as fine dining during evening service, it’s still accessible and relaxed.

With 20 red and 20 white wines from a £22 Pinot Grigio to a 1re Cru Chablis at £54.50, or a Chateau Bellegrave Claret at £53.95. Partner and front of house manager Samantha provides good advice and makes her wine list as accessible as possible, ensuring the dining room runs smoothly at all times.

Gavin says his true passion is introducing diners to food. He’s less concerned with presentation — not that his food doesn’t look superb — and more concerned with flavour.

“I don’t like food which looks artistic but doesn’t have the substance and taste to back it up.” says Gavin. “Lincolnshire is an excellent location in which to source good quality ingredients, and ensuring these are allowed to shine through in the food is essential.”

With a gardening break of some two years and the restaurant having been open again for seven months, things are returning to normal at the Jews House. Thankfully for diners, however, ‘normal’ means exceptional quality food, professional service, a superb location and excellent presentation.

If you’ve not yet revisited the Jews House, it’s most definitely time to reacquaint yourself with one of Lincoln’s best restaurants.