The Top Oak

We must have driven past this pub hundreds of times without actually going in but I’m delighted to say that after our visit on Sunday I’m looking forward to returning. The Top Oak is situated in the lovely Stapleford Abbotts area which for us is only a fifteen minute drive away. We actually didn’t even know they had a restaurant even when I booked using the form on their site. Even when I spoke to the manager at the end of our lunch he told me that a lot of people had said the same. We arrived on Sunday and the bar area was very busy. To the left of the bar and along the side there are tables which is where you can enjoy a drink and also dine at. It was then I noticed the restaurant at the back of the pub and it was only then obvious where my reservation was booked for. Apparently the area used to be a barn but has now been converted in to a nice restaurant. The restaurant itself has a bar at the entrance end with the tables set out along in three rows and can easily accommodate small or larger parties. We received a nice friendly greeting before being shown to our table. We ordered a drink before taking a look at the menu which did have a good selection to choose from including of course the Roasts. There was also the extra choices on the Specials Board to which is where I ordered my starter a fabulous Fried Monkfish with Pickled Samphire , Dill & Herb Breadcrumbs. Off the Sunday menu we chose the heavenly Sticky Ribs & Coleslaw, Salt & Pepper Squid & Chilli Jam & the Mediterranean King Prawns with Garlic Butter & Sourdough. Each course was very tasty and a great way to start.

Fried Monkfish & Pickled Samphire

Sticky Ribs & Coleslaw

It was now on to our mains where we enjoyed the classic Pie & Mash with Liquor. From the fish section a fabulous Crab , Chilli & Lime Tagliatelle and two of the fantastic roast dinners. One was the Roast Lamb and the other was the amazing Mixed Roast of Beef , Gammon & Lamb. Both roasts were accompanied with a huge Yorkshire Pudding , Roast Potatoes and a delightful selection of fresh vegetables. These roasts were definitely worth the visit on there own.

Roast Lamb

The Mixed Roast

We then needed a well earned rest before we got to enjoy some delicious desserts. We chose the Sticky Toffee Pudding , Honeycomb Cheesecake and from the specials board the Bread & Butter Pudding & Custard which was pure heaven.

Honeycomb Cheesecake

Bread & Butter Pudding

This ended an absolute fantastic Sunday Lunch where the food was great and the service from the young female staff who were all very polite & friendly was excellent. As well as the fact that nothing was to much trouble really added to our dining experience. I would definitely return for another fabulous roast but would also like to visit at a different time and try the dishes on the other menus. I would definitely recommend booking a table in the restaurant as it really is a nice venue to enjoy a great Lunch or Dinner.