Fillet of Beef with Stout and Oysters

• 1 × 1 lb (500 g) piece beef fillet, trimmed
• 5 fl oz (150

Poach the whole piece of fillet in a mixture of the stout and stock with the chopped shallots and bay leaf for about 10 minutes (the beef should be rare in the middle). Remove the meat and keep warm.

Add the sugar to the stock mixture and reduce by about one third, finally adding the butter to make the sauce thick and shiny. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pop the oysters into the