Every day, Johnny and Laura Greenall couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as they drove past the closed-up pub that had once been the lively heart of their village. The pair have extensive backgrounds in brewing, cooking, and hospitality, and so the couple envisioned breathing new life into the neglected inn, recognising its historic charm and the idyllic setting it deserved. Determined to revive the 1850 inn, the Greenalls embarked on an extensive renovation, and soon, the addition of a state-of-the-art kitchen and a bright, airy dining space complemented the original snug corners, creating a welcome blend of tradition and modern comforts. In March 2012, they proudly opened their doors, aspiring to offer both classic and contemporary British cuisine of fine dining calibre within the inviting and laid back comforts of a local country pub.
Start your meal with some nibbles, such as the smoked cod roe taramasalata with dill pickled cucumber and fennel seed crackers. Then, order from a selection of starters that include a twice baked Staffordshire cheese soufflé, along with a hot smoked salmon salad with new potatoes, capers, mustard dressing and a poached Sam’s hens’ egg, and of course, a seafood starter of Cornish mussels with house guanciale, leeks and cider cream sauce and dipping sourdough toast.
Main dishes include the truffled pearl barley risotto with barbequed celeriac and celeriac velouté, along with a 50-day dry aged Dunwood Farm ribeye topped with garlic butter, caramelised onion purée and triple cooked chips. Other mains include a roast fillet of cod with cured pork, butternut squash fondant, pumpkin seed crumb and red wine sauce. Be sure to try a dessert, such as the clementine and champagne jelly with orange sorbet.