By Denise Ortuno
For a touch of England charm, and fabulous royal fare to match, Lord Fletchers in Rancho Mirage will leave you feeling stately indeed.
I recall driving down Restaurant Row in Rancho Mirage as a kid, and it being “The” place to dine in the desert. Restaurants such as The Beach House, Dominick’s, La Cave, The Chart House, El Torito, Scoma’s and many more lined the section of Hwy 111. And although the aforementioned restaurants no longer reside there and some new ones have appeared, one that has stood through it all is Lord Fletchers, which sits on a small castle-ish site by itself, at the corner of Country Club and Hwy 111.
Opened over 50 years ago by Ron Fletcher, the Coachella Valley gem has been delighting guests with its cozy English ambience, ample servings and inviting service. In later years the restaurant was passed on to his son Michael Fletcher, who has been continuing the Lord Fletcher tradition.
Upon entering, the space takes guests to what feels and looks like and old English Inn, with ornate paintings, British bric-a- brac and dark wood hues. A large fireplace separates the Pub (try a Pimms Cup cocktail or outstanding Ale) and Shakespeare dining room. The whole place is just super cozy. Back in the day, their servers used to wear green bar wench style dresses, with white aprons and bonnets to match. Although the outfits may have appeared whimsical to some, I’m sure the staff is not yearning for yester year on that subject and appreciate the more modern service garb.
But apart from the server’s outfits, everything that has contributed to Lord Fletcher’s longevity remains the same, especially their fabulous food. Menu selections are of the English classic nature with rib sticking dishes, leaving guests completely sated. Entrée items include soup of the day or a house salad, and range from dishes such as English style Pot Roast (served with red cabbage and apple sauce), Olde Fashion English Chicken and Dumplings, Whole Rack of New Zealand Lamb, Sanddabs-Queen Anne (served with lemon tartar sauce, and creamed spinach) and their famous Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding and creamed spinach (King or Lords cut), plus many others.
Lord Fletchers also offers nightly specials Tuesday through Saturday with dishes which include, Veal Calves Livers with Bacon & Onions (Wed), Scottish Salmon with Hollandaise (Fri), and don’t miss their ever popular Barbeque Beef Ribs on Saturday’s. But with all of that food, make sure to save a spot for their delectable desserts like their house made Rice Pudding (Raspberry or Cinnamon), Triple Rich Chocolate Fudge Cake, or Raspberry Jack (vanilla ice cream, raspberries, triple sec) among others.
Lord Fletchers is one of those rare restaurant instititions that have been around forever in the Coachella Valley, and is a true treat to visit for some classic English flare and fare, and royal flavors.
Lord Fletchers is located at 70-385 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage Ca, 92270
For more information visit www.lordfletcher.com
