The Yew Tree Highclere

This was a gifted meal.

The Yew Tree at Highclere is just down the road from me and I’d heard that the refurbishment had really opened up the previously, slightly dingy inside. I really like how open it looks now with books piled high all over the place. They have just developed the garden out the back and I think it’ll be an amazing place for a summer afternoon; they’ve got a fresh fish counter ready for you to choose what you want and get it straight on the BBQ.

I went to try their dinner menu back in late May and really liked the sound of everything on the menu. We started with bread, which came warm (always a bonus) and butter (at spreading temperature) and after the amount of cold bread and rock hard butter I’ve endured in the past this was most welcome!

Starter (for me) was black pudding and Beechwood Farm Scotch egg which was really good; nice to see them using local eggs. Crispy outside, not too strong black pudding and a runny yolk. Just what I wanted. I thought the onion chutney was a bit out of place; I didn’t think it would go but it was very nice with the black pudding.

The other starter (as enjoyed by the OH) was wild garlic soup. I thought it was such a pretty colour and it was a really generous portion too. It was just garlicky enough and not too creamy either. Again, good to see them using locally foraged ingredients.

My main was river trout with charred potatoes, ratatouille and roasted tomato sauce. This was really light and summery, not too filling and it was great that they were using local trout. I think the tomato sauce could have done with a bit more punch but otherwise it was lovely. The OH had rib-eye steak with classic béarnaise, chips, watercress and tomato. There was an entire field of watercress on the plate and a really generous serving of béarnaise and the (tiny) piece I was able to steal to try was very nice.

I had managed to sneak a look at the pudding menu, hence why I ordered a light main. I can never say no to a chocolate fondant. Or salted caramel. So you can imagine my delight when chocolate fondant with salted caramel ice cream was available. When I have a fondant I want it to be properly gooey, indulgent and rich; this is exactly what it was like. So good and just the right size so you’ve had a proper chocolate overdose. The OH enjoyed a mini bakewell tart with fruit compote; I was too preoccupied with my fondant to try any!

I enjoyed my meal at The Yew Tree and I’ll certainly be going back to enjoy their new garden. If you’re around this Saturday they are holding a summer fete and on the 25th June they are having a charity auction and raffle with all proceeds going to Mind Charity.

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