Eat My Words: We try the Mosset Tavern in Forres
I started my night in Forres, eager to visit the Bonnie Beastie just off the High Street.
As an Englishman who’s called Moray home for the past seven years, there’s little I miss about the old country — except a good, rustic pub.
There’s something comforting about the warmth of a crackling fire, stone walls, and oak beams, with a pint of local ale and a plate of proper pub grub.
The Beastie has always captured this charm and become a favourite of mine whenever I’m in town. So you can imagine my disappointment when I stepped in from the crisp autumn air to find an empty bar and a kitchen out of action.
With a sigh and a change of plans, I made my way over to the Mosset Tavern - just a quick two-minute stroll from the High Street.
It’s a place I've avoided with no real reason aside from a quick Google search telling me it was established in 1973.
Cue fears of laminate tabletops, garish colours and faux wallpaper.
I step through the front entrance and am promptly offered the choice between dining in the restaurant or the bar.
But with my dog, Juno, in tow, that decision is made for me - the bar area it is.
As we traipse through the restaurant and into the bar I realise my fears had been misplaced, wooden tables, a cosy atmosphere and warm tones do a good job of reminding me that this is the kind of place where both locals and visitors can feel at home.
The staff are welcoming, and the subtle background hum of chatter adds to the relaxed vibe.
Juno settles under the table comfortably, as if she's been here countless times before.
A quick glance around reveals a variety of patrons - from solo diners watching sports to groups enjoying a casual catch-up.
I can’t help but feel my initial hesitation melting away as I take in the soft lighting and rustic decor.
The service was friendly enough, a young waitress who seemed nervous at first took our order and offered me a sample of ales to taste.
Her confidence grows during the course of the night and Juno makes good acquaintances with the circling staff and patrons.
There's definitely a mismatch of personalities here, as I try to embrace the solitude of being a man content with his own company.
My dog ensures she sits in the central thoroughfare soaking up as much attention as she can get.
I go for the sirloin steak - not just because it’s the priciest option on the menu, but because it’s a true litmus test for quality, skill, and flavour.
It arrives promptly, and I’m immediately impressed by the generous spread in front of me.
The steak is cooked exactly as requested - medium rare, just as it should be — with a good sear.
The fries are delightfully crisp on the outside, and fluffy within, and the mushrooms have soaked up just the right amount of butter to make them sing.
My only letdown is the sides: the tomatoes and peas lack punch, left feeling a little uninspired and mushy.
But I can forgive this, given how the steak itself far exceeded my expectations.
All it needed was a touch of salt and pepper, conveniently at hand on the table.
A different server returns to collect plates and offer the dessert menu.
I opted for the sticky toffee pudding - easily my all-time favourite dessert. You could say I consider myself something of a connoisseur.
Juno, on the other hand, went straight for the triple chocolate tart. The desserts appeared almost as quickly as the mains.
The sticky toffee sponge was everything I’d hoped for - rich, moist, and positively drenched in a generous pool of caramel sauce.
I’ve often found myself grumbling when places skimp on the sauce, leaving the sponge to suffer alone, but that wasn’t the case here, accompanied by ice cream AND whipped cream - a lacto delight.
The server swings by to clear away the remnants of our puddings, and I’m left with just my pint.
Juno’s taken back to her spot in the thoroughfare and I get to enjoy the peace and humdrum of local chatter and laughs, feeling bad for my misgivings, realising I may have misjudged this place.
For all its quirks and charm, the Tavern has a warmth that’s grown on me. It feels like it’s found a new regular.
Food ****, décor ****, staff ***** and price ***.
It was high marks across the board for me but, although I appreciate steak is an expensive item on the menu, the garlic and herb butter upgrade on the side sat at a resounding £3.50 which made my wallet shed a tear.
