ESCAPE LONDON – Get a taste of the countryside at The Pheasant Inn, Lambourn

Posted by Editor on December 11, 2015 in Escape London | Leave a comment

The Pheasant Inn in Lambourn is just minutes away from the M4, just over an hour from London and set in between beautiful country fields. The Inn has ample parking and as I arrived the beautiful sunset could be seen hovering over the luscious green fields. Entering the pub, you are transported into a lovely warm and welcoming atmosphere. It seems to be a local favourite, which is always a good sign, as the pub was full of farmers in their Wellington boots. The bedrooms joined just behind the pub, which enables you to have privacy and serenity. The inn is quintessentially British, perfect for a weekend away from bustling London.

The inn is quintessentially British, perfect for a weekend away from bustling London.

The bedroom was decorated in warm cream and brown colours, which added to the coziness of the ample room. Adorning the comfortable bed was a velvet gold throw, which was lovely and thick to keep you warm on those cold winter nights. While the uplighting on the walls ensured the room looked warm and inviting, without being too bright or intrusive. The duvet felt lovely and the pillows soft, the kind of bed you have to drag yourself out of in the morning. The bathroom was equally inviting, decorated in cream stone, with a huge walk in shower big enough for two. Some of the rooms at the Inn actually allow dogs, allowing you to enjoy in a welcome break and bring along your pooch. The day I arrived the winds were out in full force, but remarkably it sounded like soft waves and not harsh winds, which means the building is well insulated. The rooms have complimentary wifi, it was a little slow though, probably due to the high winds outside.

Some of the rooms at the Inn actually allow dogs, allowing you to enjoy in a welcome break and bring along your pooch.

The restaurant is decorated in country house style and was buzzing. Happy clientele filled the pretty place, a testament to the tasty food and lovely service. In keeping with the country theme, riding memorabilia adorned the walls. My weekend in the countryside had an authentic feel at the Pheasant Inn. The Christmas decor matched the walls, with delicate stars in gold and cream. The private dining room in the restaurant had funky bowler hats as lights, quite the talking piece. The atmosphere was electric and it was fun to see a little dog wag his tale enjoying his family time in the main bar.

My weekend in the countryside had an authentic feel at the Pheasant Inn.

My Aubergine parmigiana starter arrived on a pretty rectangular plate and smelled delicious.  The cherry tomato sauce tasted divine. For my taste the aubergine could have been slightly softer, but that didn’t affect the delicious taste.

For my main I had pan fried salmon, thyme gnocchi, salsify and mussel cream. The salmon was cooked to perfection, both tender and skin crispy. It was paired well with the gnocchi and spinach, making a tasty and welcome dish.

I couldn’t resist the sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel ice cream and it arrived in full glory. As I hoped, the taste was to die for and it was plenty big enough to share. Despite being English, I only tried this dish a few years ago and the Pheasant Inn’s version certainly reminded me what I had been missing for all those years.

I couldn’t resist the sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel ice cream and it arrived in full glory.

After a good nights sleep and a hot shower, I headed down for breakfast. To be honest I was still quite full from the night before, so settled for some marmite on toast. However, they do though cater for all appetites, as well as continental breakfast, they offer Full English, Eggs Benedict and Smoked Salmon.

The Pheasant Inn provides an authentic country weekend and a peaceful nights sleep, the perfect place to get away from bustling London. This lovely pub provides great food, a friendly service and fresh country air to wake up to. It is well worth the short drive from London and if you like walking, you have an abundance of beautiful countryside to do so in.

The Pheasant Inn, Lambourn, Ermin St, Shefford Woodlands, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 7AA   Tel: 01488 648284

http://www.thepheasant-inn.co.uk/

Heart London 5 Star Rating

Food 4
Drink 5
Service 4
Bedroom 5
Décor 5
Atmosphere 4

Cat, Heart London Magazine