"A few weeks ago, we drove past your pub and decided we needed to check it out later—today was that day. Before diving into our experience, let's quickly address parking. The pub doesn't have its own car park, and the street parking is limited to one hour. Your best option is the car park just across the road, but it can be a bit tricky to navigate, as many of the spots are reserved for season ticket holders.
With no prior knowledge or recommendations about this pub, we stepped into the unknown with a sense of adventure. Upon entering, we were warmly greeted, which felt genuine—something that's often hard to come by. We were invited to choose a table, and our menus would be brought to us. The moment we saw pheasant keeve as the first item on the menu, we knew we could be in for something special; you don't come across that option every day. The entire menu sounded fantastic, clearly reflecting a chef full of passion and creativity.
Initially, we were taken aback by some prices hovering around £18 or £19, but upon closer inspection, we discovered some more reasonably priced options. Despite the array of imaginative dishes available, we decided to go with the bar menu. My father chose the ham, duck egg, and hand-cut chips for £11, while I opted for the fish and hand-cut chips with pea puree for £13.
As we waited for our meals, we took in the pub's atmosphere. There was pleasant background music, and the staff were friendly and, as I mentioned, genuinely welcoming—a very underrated quality. If there was one minor critique, it was that the pub felt a bit chilly at first, as the small open fire was battling the cold outside. Fortunately, the temperature seemed to improve as we settled in.
When our food arrived, the beautiful presentation only confirmed our belief in the chef's talent. Even simple dishes can be presented with flair, and this was certainly the case here. Regular readers of my reviews will know I have a particular fondness for good chips, which can be hard to find. The chips we received were excellent—generously sized, perfectly cooked, and wonderfully crispy on the outside. My fish was stunning, both in appearance and taste, reminiscent of a skilled professional who genuinely cares about their work. Initially, I hesitated about the pea puree, wishing for fresh peas instead, but was pleasantly surprised by the sheer deliciousness of the puree, which provided an interesting twist.
I've probably mentioned this before, but this might just be the best fish and chips I've ever enjoyed at a pub. My dad’s chips were equally delightful, and the ham he received was remarkable. The duck eggs were a delightful touch, demonstrating how a small change can lead to a significant upgrade in a dish. He even claimed it was among the best ham, egg, and chips he’d ever had.
While our choices may not have been particularly adventurous, we believe that classic dishes like ours often reflect a pub's overall food quality, providing a helpful benchmark for comparison. All in all, it was an outstanding lunch, aside from the chilly weather. The food and service were exemplary, and we would both happily return at a moment’s notice. Although some dishes may come with a higher price tag, there are plenty of options to fit different budgets on the menu.
It seems only fitting that a pub with such a fantastic name also lives up to that brilliance with its offerings."
