POP-UP FOOD REVIEW - Montville Bakehouse – 168 Main Street, Montville

by A. Tablehopper

I am an ‘average joe’ who enjoys good food, not a food critic by profession, so excuse my lack of fancy terminology! I have not been paid to promote anyone – I am simply sharing my opinion on the hinterland eateries I visit, for their service/ambience and presentation/flavour. 

I’m often on the run between pillar and post, so don’t always have time to sit and savour in a restaurant or café. This was the case when I saw the new /Montville Bakehouse’ recently, and as luck would have it, there was a parking spot just over the road.

Its chalkboard offers some tempting housemade gourmet pies, such as fresh lamb,

Shiraz and rosemary; brisket ale and green peppercorn; creamy chicken, mushroom and parmesan; chicken, leek and sweetcorn; chunky steak and cheesy béchamel, and mince with parmesan and sour cream.

But on my first visit, I was in the mood for a toastie! Served by a friendly young lady, I was soon leaving with a piping hot Ultimate Tuna Melt, with capers, celery, dill, kewpie mayo and the signature cheese blend. 

All I can say it, DELICIOUS. Well, that’s not all I can say… the addition of capers was inspired for that burst of salty brine, and the crunch of celery and touch of dill just added depth to what could’ve been a plain old tuna toastie. The cheese blend was different, with dusty sprinkles of parmesan across the top.

Put it this way, it was so good, I went back the following wee and told them, and then tried the Epic Spag Bol, which was hearty and filling and just perfect to keep be going until dinner.

Other Toasties include Ham, Cheese and Pickle, Chicken Ranch with sprouts and house ranch sauce; Ultimate Cheese, with honeycrsip apples, fresh thyme, lemon zest, cheddar and soft Camembert, and Mushroom Pickle Cheese, with Portobello mushrooms, pickles, haloumi, rocket and kewpie mayo.

On my third visit, I opted for a chicken, leek and sweetcorn pie. Full to bursting with decent chunks of chicken, in a rich creamy sauce, this was another winner.

I haven’t been able to get back since, but believe me, the next time I am making a flying visit, I will be there! 

They also have smoothies, tea and coffee if you’re interested, high table seating inside, and tables and chairs outside to watch the world go by. (And I think I saw loaves of artisan bread on a shelf too!)

If you like a tasty toastie or pie that will fill you up – this is the place.