Tuesday 24 April 2007

The Bull Hotel at Wargrave, Berkshire


Brakespears ---“Pub of the Year”
There can be few pubs in the Brakspear portfolio more brimful of character than the 600 year-old former coaching that’s the Bull Hotel in Wargrave. Be it the legend of the ghost (reputed to be a previous landlady who giving birth after an illicit an affair who was promptly thrown out by her husband), the delightful hidden garden, or the charming welcome of the present landlady, Jayne Worrall.

A pub tenant for more than twenty years, Jayne has cherished lifelong ambitions for running the Bull, and fulfilled her dreams by returning to this lovely old hotel six years ago. Since then, she has focused her efforts and built a reputation for serious food and high quality accommodation. Aside from the ranks of delighted customers, Jayne’s most recent accolade was to be voted “Brakspear Pub of the Year.”

We arrived early on a mid week evening to find the bar already bustling with drinkers debating the topical issues of the day, always a great sign of a popular well loved establishment. Jayne Worrell is tangibly a talented Landlady – she immediately sought us out on our arrival and made us feel relaxed with a warm comfortable greeting. We were promptly shown to a pretty table in the cosy dining room, adjacent to a huge fireplace, the kind that one would fully expect the errant ghostly former landlady to appear out of.

Being known for my indecision – at least I think so – the choice of two comprehensive menus was almost too much to bear. The first menu was outstanding value from £10.00 per head for two courses (available Monday – Thursday), the second was a more comprehensive menu, but in truth they both looked fantastic. It was really good to hear the considerable pride that Jayne used when telling us that all dishes are produced daily from fresh produce and there is no resorting to mass-prepared bought-in food. Furthermore, wherever possible food is sourced from local suppliers – all of which made the menus even more appetising.

Starters such as Chef’s pate of the day, or warm fanned duck breast salad with mango and lime coulis and Parma ham with smoked chicken. I found the main course choices equally appealing including Pan-fried Tuna steak with a red pepper pesto, or Cumberland sausage with mash, and Chef’s pie of the day – the latter being the kind of robust affair for the most sturdy of appetites.

We eventually chose from the Standard evening menu, which has an impressive selection under the titles, Something Fishy, Something Vegetarian, or Something Else! Plus an delicious looking and varied salad bowl range. It really would be nigh on impossible to not find something to suit. I opted for the interesting sounding Samosas with minted yoghurt, which were exotic and fresh. My fiancé had the deep fried cambozola with a cider and brandy chutney, he loved the homemade chutney, which was tangy and perfect foil for the cheese.

As a main course, I opted for fresh pasta carbonara with garlic bread, and my partner chose the Calves liver and bacon with mash and onion gravy. Both dishes were hearty yet elegantly presented and tasted every bit as good as they looked. Having been informed that the desserts too were all home made, I swiftly veered from “can’t possibly, couldn’t eat another thing” to “OK, I’ll just try some”. Difficult choices again. Apple pie with cinnamon and sultanas? Raspberry meringue roulade? Bananas with ice cream and topped with walnuts and maple syrup? I would have something light and low calorie I thought… but before I knew it, I ordered Warm Chocolate Fudge Brownie with lashings of custard. It was truly heaven sent.

This is not just a traditional pub with great food and drink; it can also be a very comfortable base for guests, with four delightful well-equipped en suite bedrooms, and following a recent refurbishment, the outside now offers large attractive and secluded walled garden. The full main menu will be served here for lunches and supper -- weather permitting! Rooms start from as little as just £45 per night and are all of a high standard enjoying en suite facilities and one complete with four-poster, ideal for romantics.

The food and the atmosphere really did exceed our expectations here at the Bull Hotel, a thriving and successful business, great value dining, and an interesting local haunted pub.

It is still alleged that the cries of the ghost can still be heard whenever she returns weeping and wailing for forgiveness from her spouse – the truth is we secretly know that she has just missed the last Fudge Brownie!!

Business Feature - Town & Country Tyres


“Excellent” “Brilliant”, “Fast and friendly”……….. This is what their customers have remarked on questionnaires at Town and Country tyres within just the last few months.

Town and Country tyres are a reputable and recommended family run business that has been serving the community of Henley and her surrounding areas for almost 17 years. They are well known for their professional service, competitive rates and the high level of repeat business speaks volumes.

At the front of this service helm is David Yeo, the manager, who deals initially with most of the major mechanical enquiries. He is supported in the day-to-day running by his assistant manager Daniel Lunnon, and fully trained tyre- fitter John Roberts.

Offering a full service (apart from MOT), and friendly service, after 16 years in the area Town and Country have dealt with all manner of tyres from wheelbarrows to Ferrari. They supply and fit all makes and models of tyres, including high performance and 4X4. Keen to please, they have been known to assist with pumping up tyres and checking tyre pressure. A welcomed addition to extended service is the arrival of their fully equipped Mobile Call Out Van, due at the end of this month. This will enable them to come to you regardless of whether you are at home, or at the office. Saving you valuable time and effort.

Town & Country tyres are approved by all the major lease companies including Lloyds TSB and Leaseplan and trade accounts and they pride themselves on being female friendly. You can expect open honest advice, and they do not expect you to know everything about mechanics or tyres, they are happy to explain in plain English any procedures, prices and services.

They are offering a November Winter Check which includes testing and checking, Engine water and oils, Brakes level fluids, Exhaust condition check, antifreeze strength, windscreen and windscreen and wiper blades, tyres, battery condition check, brake condition check, steering and suspension.

You will be delighted with the service, the ease of parking, and of course the competitive quotes and prices as they endeavour to offer the best possible prices.

The Goose. Britwell Salome, Oxfordshire


The Goose at Britwell Salome is a handsome brick-built restaurant with parts dating back to 1728 and if like us it has been a while since you last went, then trust me, you should return as soon as possible. In May this year it changed ownership, had an extensive refurbishment, extended it’s kitchen and added a stylish outside dining space. Best of all it has brought back Michael North, this time as the Head Chef. Debbie Whiteside the front of house/restaurant manager breezed us into the new garden area, which has a decidedly English country garden meets Mediterranean courtyard feel with quality teak dining furniture in terracotta and green, traditional hanging baskets, wild roses climbing on trellis, and a laid back atmosphere aided by the soothing and ambient background music. We let the sun set as we enjoyed chilled glasses of chardonnay and studied the menus. Following our substantial self inflicted excesses of the Henley Royal Regatta and Festival fortnight, my partner and I were really looking forward to some uncomplicated, wholesome home made food in a restaurant where every thing is made and prepared daily on the premises.
The improvements are evident the moment you step in- and wow, we were stunned by this now very stylish, contemporary restaurant, and new look that has breathed new life into this tired old goose. Imagine, clean, crisp lines, the Hessian and natural oak flooring, rose coloured ceiling with embedded spotlights, cream tongue and groove walls, brick built pillars - traditional materials but a sophisticated feel. The table settings are just as stylish and simple with pretty blue and green glassware, white linen napkins, polished silverware, long white candles and fresh English country flowers. I loved the framed Annie tempest cartoons and good old traditional hunting pictures, the tapestry curtains and I there is even a glamorous Victorian silk screen shielding the entrance to the kitchen.
Imogen our waitress bought us our wine, a French 2002 Rose Domaine to compliment our diverse choices for supper. My fiancé selected the Tian of Cornish crab with avocado cream and tomato water, which was fresh, light and exquisite followed by the most amazing rich deep layered braised lamb and potato torte, creamed spinach and lamb jus. I cajoled him into sharing it with me, which swiftly turned into a “who can eat this without licking your lips competition – it was that delectable, I lasted four seconds! Luckily, he didn’t notice as he was absorbed in pronouncing he had died and gone to heaven. For me it was the fresh tagliatelle with wild mushrooms, broad beans and peas. A quessential seasonal dish. The lime green of the beans against the darkness of the mushrooms, the silkiness of the olive oil, and an unmistakable suggestion of truffles. Sensational. Following that, arrived the roast fillet of hake with crushed new potato, braised fennel and sauce vierge. It was blissfully light, yet substantial, and a superb crusty topping. It was faultless.
Earlier that evening I had murmured something about being on a diet, which I had now thrown straight out of the window knowing the desserts would be equally fabulous. In fact I wanted to try them all – so we did! Gorgeous rich Chocolate tart that you could swim in, the lightest apple tar-tatin, sumptuous sticky toffee pudding, delectable praline ice cream and, exemplary summerberry crumble with vanilla ice-cream. At this point we mused all our supper dishes and challenged each-other to put them into order of preference. Every dish had ingenious touches, a veritable home produced feel, and presentation to die for, but we found it impossible to recount a single dish that deserved to be last – They were all truly perfect.
The Goose is fast set to become the latest must-try (again) restaurant, with its spectacular new menu its new sophisticated look and Chef Michael North. A talented and fantastic young chef, who, at only 24 years old not only overseas the whole operation, but is creating food that challenges the best of the fine-dining competition. With his whole career still in front of him, he already making dishes that he should be very proud of - The feather in this Gooses cap!

A.D. Salon. Henley On Thames . Advertorial


HEADQUARTERS IS CHANGING TO A.D. SALON....Exciting changes are ahead at Headquarters; Liz Agar is acting as both mentor and advisor, as she hands over the reins to the new ownership and management to AD Salon to Angelo, who leads the look and team with the support of experienced head-technician Karen. Between them they have over 50 year’s professional hairdressing experience. They are also proud to have on board Natalie a qualified stylist who specialises in hair extensions using 100% natural European hair and Andrea who, as the youngest member of this team, has impressed both staff and clients alike having shown total and enthusiastic commitment to hairdressing which has enabled him to fully qualify as a stylist this summer.

AD Salon is more than just a cut and blow dry, here you have an approachable, experienced and dedicated team within a fresh and modern environment who offer a relaxed, creative and highly professional service with competitive and affordable prices. Take advantage of their amazing special introductory discount of 50% OFF any full cut and style. You will know you are in safe hands, with a FREE CONSULTATION. Here the team can answer any hair questions, advise on cut and colours to suit your individual style and hair type and help you update your look making. Professional products support comes in the shape of L’Oreal.

Refreshments are served all day, but if you fancy something more exciting let them spoil you with a complimentary wine or glass of lager after 2pm daily.

Opening times – 6 days a week
Monday/ Tuesday /Saturday 8.30am – 5.30pm
Wednesday 8.30am – 7.00pm
Thursday 8.30am – 8.30pm
Friday 8.30pm - 5.30pm

Highly qualified technicians
Students under 21 – 20% discount
10% discount when you book two services on the same day

The Flying Pig. Stonor, Oxfordshire


Great things have been happening deep within the heavenly tree-covered hills, on the edge of the Stonor Park Estate - Here an independently owned restaurant set within buildings dating back to the 18th Century, has been carefully, and lovingly re-launched with a style that reflects both the best of modern English luxury, and unashamed self indulgence. The Flying Pig at The Stonor Arms hotel has become an exceptional ‘restaurant with rooms’ bringing creativity, excitement and relaxation straight to us on our doorstep. Mark Van Der Goot the general manager & chef sommelier together with James McClean (who won young chef of the year in 1997) come to us here from a Michelin stared London restaurant, and they both have a passion for food and drink and pay total attention to detail.
My guest and I were warmly welcomed at reception by Marks wife Sharalyn who unveiled the refreshing new look and we were surprised and enchanted to discover that there are number of relaxing and invigorating dinning spots to choose from. Be it the blue snug that has well used leather chesterfield armchairs, deep sofas, oversized stuffed cushions, natural sun bleached woods and soft mellow table lamps, or perhaps you would prefer the thoroughly romantic conservatory overlooking the classic walled garden furnished with cream linen table cloths and glass lanterns creating a actual feel of bringing the outside in. (..and don’t forget to have a peek at the bathrooms! Decadent. Rich purple walls, chrome fittings and elegant black marble, pure French frivolity and fun, think Paris 1900’s). We opted for the inviting, glamorous and opulent Art deco style dining room that had deep red covered chairs, large glass table lamps, antique mirrored walls and soft lighting.
Just as we were thinking, this couldn’t get any better, we were delighted to discover that the team had prepared a tasting menu and wines for us - as this is an option they are developing and will be able to offer guests in the very near future. We started with a lovely savoury celeric and apple soup, celeric fondant, caramalised sweetbreads and foie gras which were twinned with 2001 Selback Ostler Reisling wine. Mark wholeheartedly explained for us each of the dishes and complimentary wine choices giving each dish real personality. Our next course was an aromatic and delightful smoked chicken and wild mushroom ravioli that had Jerusalem artichoke and toasted hazelnut veloute. Mark had chosen a mouth watering Italian 1999 Rondi di Chiarla Friuli to accompany this. It becomes evident that whilst James creates classic French cooking, he adds a twist of originality by combining cultures and by exploring taste sensations. Mark compliments this with his unparallel wine knowledge, and working together in a natural harmony they create the most amazing flavour combinations.
I deeply loved our cerviche of diver caught scallop, ginger, chilli, coriander, lemongrass and langoustine brochette and my guest had a firm favourite with the braised rib of beef, parsnip puree, baby beetroot & truffle jus with which Mark had hand picked a 2000 Australian Yerling Station from the Yarra Valley.
The team has been careful to produce a menu that will appeal to everybody. You may fancy the delicious sounding slow roasted breast and confit leg of Anjou squab pigeon with a truffled mash or maybe, if fish dishes are your true love, you would choose from pan fried halibut & roasted lobster, with shallot, carrot and fennel, or a roasted fillet of sea trout, pancetta, rock oyster and mushroom mustard grain dressing. As if that’s not enough the desserts were ludicrously tempting and delicious with either memories of summer in the shape of strawberry and basil bruchetta with crème fraiche ice cream, or warm and wintery such as the chocolate and hazelnut dacquoise with lemon thyme ice cream. Finally and reluctant to leave we rounded off a fantastic and captivating evening as we drank our coffee in the contempory and ambient Crocodile Bar, drinking coffee and chatting with the barman whilst being surrounded by the interesting assortment of grappa’s and armanac’s.
Although seriously serious about its food and wine The Flying Pig is a “fine dining experience - without the faff. ” You will immediately feel at home and be encouraged to relax and have fun with a variety of spectacular food and wine tastes. Mark James and Sharyln positively welcome your comments and questions and are on hand to make your visit as and interesting and absorbing as possible, responding to queries about dishes and assisting you to uncover the world of wine. They will do everything they can to make sure you are welcomed, looked after and relaxed. And if you don’t enjoy it – well…Pigs might Fly!

FEATURE WRITER, FREELANCE paulabxx@gmail.com