5 /5 Oliver Madden: As you might have guessed this is one of those beautiful pubs, out in the countryside, which specialises in being a pub!
Lets start at the first nice surprise. We called, on the day, and was able to secure a lunch spot, a Sunday for 2pm but it would be in the bar not restaurant.
We really wanted earlier but the place was booked, so thats fine!
However, we received a call back within a few mins from the pub telling us a cancellation has happened and we can get in for 1pm, in the restaurant, so that was really appreciated.
We made the long drive over, 40 mins and had previously checked for parking. The car park was full, but we got a space and headed through the lovely garden to the restaurant. The outside has a nice outdoor heated barn, lots of tables in a grassed area and a large patio area with tables and a heated covered section.
The pub was vibrant, buzzing and chockablock full, but we were immediately greeted and checked in. We were early but they said they would have the table ready asap, and we then sat ourselves down amongst the chatter and smell of amazing food.
Our waiter immediately recognised my partner from her phone call and introduced himself. This was brilliant and really made us feel welcome and just the epitome of customer service in my book!! Top marks!
We ordered a couple of drinks and they brought water while we looked over the menu. Pleasantly surprised so far, I was totally bowled over by the menu. Everything sounded delish!
I ordered the creamy wild mushrooms on sourdough and my partner ordered the homemade soup of the day, both gorgeously presented and tasted fresh and full of flavour.
The main event was the roasts. However the fish and chips, burger and steak and kidney suet pie all fought a hard 2nd place! The roasts were huge, lots of lovely seasonal veg and a true test of a decent roast is the potatoes, which were pretty decent too! I choose the lamb which was spot on, and my partner the pork (which came with crackling!). I did get a complimentary Yorkie too so I was really happy!
Now I struggled to completely finish mine and left a small amount which I was gutted about as everything was just brilliant. The dining atmosphere was really warm and welcoming and that lovely country, Sunday hum made it all the more delightful!
I may have lied a little earlier because I had purposely left some room for a dessert! I wasnt full, oh god no, they had such a great array of amazing desserts I had to try 1, or 2....
We ordered Chocolate Orange Creme brulé and the recommendation was sticky toffee pudding for the 2nd... Both were absolutely decadent. Rich chocolate and tangy orange, like a truffle! And the sticky toffee looked homemade and had the perfect balance of toffee to sticky!
We grabbed a coffee to end and sat back, full, satisfied, and smiling.
The service was lovely and friendly, while being efficient and professional. The food looked, smelt and tasted like you made it at home (but much high standard!) and the pub will go down as a brilliant place to visit even if you live a while away!
Tha k you for looking after us and you should be really proud of your pub! Its a gem and shows through your food and impressive team!