We first met Steven & Ami at their previous establishment the Oxford Blue Pub where we’d visited a few times and absolutely loved it. Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond their control they had to start looking for a new place. This led them to taking over the Bailiwick Pub which is literally about five minutes drive away. What you’ll hear now is how you can turn around a situation and come back stronger.
The Bailiwick is in a fabulous location with the Windsor Great Park right on their doorstep. During lockdown they took advantage of the situation by giving the place a total refurb leaving them with a fabulous new establishment that they can call their own. Also with them only being down the road from the Oxford Blue have managed to keep some of their regulars plus attracting people who while having a walk in the park will literally pass by the front of the pub. So yes it can only be onwards and upwards from now on.
So now onto our visit which started with us heading from Hornchurch around the M25 to junction 13. From there it was only a short and direct ten minute drive to the Bailiwick which is tucked in a little side road and at an entrance to the Windsor Great Park of Wick Road. When we entered we received a great welcome from manager Liam who it was also a pleasure to see again. He sat us at the bar and poured us a complimentary glass of Sparkling Wine. Along with this we also enjoyed the first of our snacks. These were Mushroom Arancini with Truffle Mayonnaise that were absolute heaven.
Once we’d finished our drink and snack we were then escorted to our table where we had a nice outside view. Here we ordered two more of the snacks of Crispy Buffalo Hot Wings & Venison Bon Bons with a Mustard Mayonnaise. Also at this time ordered a Clarified Milk Punch Cocktail and a pint of Elton Boatman a golden ale from a local brewery.
STARTERS
Now it was time for our first course but not before enjoying some delicious Bread & Butter. Our first starter was my Pig Trotter Terrine with apple , black pudding & sauce gribache which was amazing and will definitely take some beating especially with the added egg yolk making this dish an absolute dream. My wife chose the Mussels Mariniere with a white wine cream sauce and the verdict was a definite thumbs up.
MAINS
Next to come were our main courses. Firstly my wife loved the Jimmy Butler’s Roasted Pork Rack accompanied with seasonal vegetables , roast potatoes , yorkshire pudding & cauliflower cheese. Myself I chose the Windsor Great Park Roe Deer a braised leg croquette , mushrooms , peas , asparagus & wild garlic. Along with this I ordered two amazing side dishes of Chunky Chips & the heavenly Summer Truffle Mac & Cheese. These were two fabulous dishes that were not only a credit to the chefs but also to the quality of the produce from the local area.
DESSERTS
Now it was time for desserts from Ami who is one of my favourite pastry chefs and once again she produced two absolute delights. The Raspberry , Rose & Lychee Truffle not only looked beautiful but also tasted amazing. My dessert was a absolute chocolate lovers dream and personally can’t see it being bettered this year. The Chocolate Delice with milk chocolate , cocoa nib , vanilla salted caramel & malt ice cream is a dessert that will live long in my memory so thank you Ami.
We finished with coffee and petit fours to bring to an end a truly fabulous lunch. The food created by Steven and his team was amazing especially when you have great local produce. Desserts from Ami speak for themselves they were just delicious. The service from Liam , Liz and the staff was very friendly and professional. It was so good to see that Steven & Ami come back stronger from the disappointment of the Oxford Blue and I can only see them going from strength to strength here. So yes it will come as no surprise that I would highly recommend a visit and personally we can’t wait to go back again.
Thank You Steven , Ami , Liam for a fantastic afternoon and look forward to seeing you all again soon