VALENTINE’S Day is fast approaching and if you want to take the love of your life to somewhere special this Cotswold treasure near Chipping Camden takes pub food to a whole new level.
Led by talented head chef Nick Deverell Smith the food is truly something to savour, as we discovered when he paid a visit last Saturday.
For starters we had the Local pear, endive, Oxford blue and hazelnuts and the Devilled Cornish mussels, tomato fondue and artisan toast (both £7.50).
The Oxford blue dish was stunning, the blue cheese so tasty it was impossible to share, while the Cornish mussels, as one would expect for such a delicacy, were excellent.
For mains we had the Duck breast, braised endive, carrot puree and potato croquet (£16.50) and the Cornish salmon, green beans, new potatoes soy and ginger dressing (£16.95).
No kidding, the duck was the best we’d ever tasted, tender, pink in the middle and with a mouthwatering crunchy layer of salt on the top – delicious.
The salmon was a beautifully composed dish, everything complementing the other making for a very satisfying whole.
For pudding it was Creme caramel, dark chocolate mousse, blackberries and the Pear and almond tart, salted caramel ice cream (both £6.25) and both hitting the spot.
The beer wasn’t bad either – North Cotswold Best from Stretton on Fosse and Longhorn lager from Studley.
Nick has developed a special Valentine’s Day 3-course menu for you and your loved one, complete with sharing option.
For more information call 01386 593159 or visit http://www.churchillarms.co.uk to book.
Ross Crawford
