The Pheasant Lambourn

This was a gifted meal.

I’ve driven past The Pheasant at Lambourn plenty of times but had never actually been in. I went a few weeks ago to try out their dinner offerings. It’s in such a lovely location; rolling fields all around and because it’s Lambourn a subtle equine theme throughout the pub. I thought they had a really good selection of wines by the glass (5-6 red and white) and some fantastically expensive bin ends too; something for everyone. I went for a pinot nero which was really good.

My starter was Heritage Tomato Salad with Deep Fried Feta. I loved the different colours and shapes of the tomatoes and the amount on the plate was really generous. The deep fried feta added saltiness, warmth and crispiness and on a sunny summer evening this was delicious. The other starter was Chicken Liver Parfait with Toasted Brioche which had a really consistent smooth texture and again, a really generous portion.

The Corn Fed Chicken with Pork and Sage, Fondant Potatoes, Bacon and Baby Gem I had for my main was exactly what I wanted it to be; rich but not overwhelming, fresh but comforting. The braised baby gem lettuce and asparagus were lovely with the crispy bits of bacon and the chicken was so full of flavour. I loved how traditional this was as a dish but with a nice twist of summer veg to bring it up to date.

The other main was Steak, Ale and Mushroom Pie and it was an actual pie. By which I mean pastry (shortcrust) on all sides and not one of those stupid pastry ‘hats’ you get sometimes. The beef was tender, delicious and, again, really generous. I’m pretty sure the mashed potatoes were fifty percent butter, that’s not a bad thing.

I needed a bit of a breather before dessert and I found it hard to choose what I wanted: sticky toffee pudding, strawberry cheesecake and all sorts. I couldn’t turn down the ‘Sweet Selection’: teacakes, lime marshmallows, white chocolate fudge, mango jelly and cola sherbet. A great way to finish the meal, plenty of sugar but really light. The other plate was the cheese; three good wedges and plenty of crackers.

When I go out for a meal I like it to be to the food that I can’t/won’t/is too much faff to make myself. And I want it to be delicious. That’s exactly what I got at The Pheasant. Really good restaurant food, plated well and absolutely delicious. And not a foam, espuma or cube in sight. I’m really looking forward to going back.

This meal was paid for by The Pheasant. All opinions expressed and words are my own.