If our first visit in March wasn’t fantastic enough then the bar on this visit had definitely been raised to an even higher level. The Game menu created by Chef Steven Ellis is amazing along with stunning desserts by wife Ami. This is matched perfectly by the excellent service from a great front of house team. So let me say this right now Book a Table as soon as you can and I promise you will not be disappointed. When we were last hear in March and we went in the evening but due to everyone telling us about the fabulous views you get during the day we decided not on this occasion to have a day out. So on saturday we made the trip from Essex to Berkshire and the delightful setting of Old Windsor stopping first in Datchet & then the Windsor Farm Shop before continuing to the Pub.
When we arrived we received a very friendly welcome which was something that continued throughout our lunch. Luckily enough for us it was a lovely sunny day so therefore we could enjoy a pre lunch drink outside and could now see what the staff meant as we got to enjoy the great view as well. While enjoying our drinks they sent us out the amazing Venison Bon Bon’s which are to die for.
The View from the Terrace
Venison Bon Bon’s
It was now time to move inside and be seated at our table which was in fact the some one as before only this time as it was nice outside we could still enjoy the view. We were then greeted by the Restaurant Manager who was very friendly and professional throughout. He explained to us that they now have a choice of two menus one being the A la Carte and the other is the New addition of a Tasting Menu where they want to showcase the favourite and classic dishes. On this occasion we decided to choose dishes that we’d not had before which were on the A la Carte menu.
After enjoying some fantastic Bread with probably the best Butter ever it was time for our Starters. The first was a Treason IPA Cured River Trout with Pickled Cucumber , Confit Lemon & Dill Mayonnaise. The second was the Wood Pigeon Scotch Egg with Peas , Broad Beans & Smoked Bacon. These dishes were absolutely delicious and a great way to begin.
Bread & Butter
Treason IPA Cured River Trout
Wood Pigeon Scotch Egg
Next to arrive was a nice little surprise as the Chef sent us out a an extra dish to try. It was the Cheesecake which is made using Ricotta Cheese along with Isle of Wight Tomatoes , Bloody Mary Jelly & Basil. This was a very delicious and clever little dish.
Cheesecake
Now it was time for the main courses and both were simply stunning. The Roast Crown of Wood Pigeon with Honey Lavender , Cherries , Ham , Confit Leg & a Offal Cottage Pie was pure food heaven. My choice was the Windsor Great Park Smoke Pit that will live long in my memory. A Bourbon Glazed Wild Boar Chop with Roebuck Neck Burnt Ends , Wild Rabbit Chorizo Sausage , Truffle Mac & Cheese & House Slaw together with a side order of Beef Fat Chips was just a food lovers dream.
Roast Crown of Wood Pigeon
Offal Cottage Pie
The Windsor Great Park Smoke Pit
Truffle Mac & Cheese
Beef Fat Chips
Before moving on to desserts we decided to indulge in a few of their excellent British & Irish Cheeses which were accompanied with a selection of Crackers , Fruit Bread , Biscuits , Chutney , Nuts & Fruit. This led os to desserts where the two creations by Ami that we chose were absolutely fantastic. The Macaron with Raspberry , Almond , Mint & Peach Sorbet was heaven and my Blackcurrant Soufflé with Homemade Jam & Blackcurrant Leaf Ice Cream was an absolute dream.
Cheese Course
The Macaron
Blackcurrant Souffle
We finished with coffee and some chocolate to truly round off a fantastic lunch. We were then asked if we would like to go into the kitchen and have a chat with Steven & Ami to which we delightfully accepted. It’s always nice to see the kitchen and chat to chefs especially to see the passion they have to produce amazing dishes for your enjoyment. Steven & Ami really are a nice couple and you could clearly see that are wanting to develop their Game menu even further. I would highly recommend a visit here and even if you feel it’s to far for a lunch there are some great B&B’s & Hotels in the area. I will definitely be returning again hopefully sooner rather than later.
Thank You Steven , Ami and all the team for a fantastic lunch see you again soon.
My Hospitality Life 