Do you enjoy a traditional, cosy country pub? Then you’ll enjoy The Pheasant Inn, Burwardsley.
We went on a cold Winter’s night and were struck by the warm glow and just the right side of bustley atmosphere. There is a large outside seating area for warmer times and the twinkling lights on the sky line hinted at the superb views that can be enjoyed during the day.
The building and décor firmly has its roots in its country surroundings with quirky, bespoke touches throughout.
The menu is extensive and includes bar nibbles, sandwiches and sharing platters (before 6pm) and a good range of seasonal dishes. Prices for mains start at 13.95 and rise to £25 (for the beef wellington). A 250ml glass of Sauvignon Blanc was £7.95. Not a budget meal out but given the good service, surroundings and superb quality of the food, we felt it provided reasonable value.
We’re suckers for scotch eggs whenever they appear on a menu and the Pheasant’s (accompanied by delicious homemade chutney) was a fine example of this eggy delight! I had the warming and comforting duck cassoulet for a main course. It impressed me that they managed to make such a traditionally rustic dish look elegant. Barry thoroughly enjoyed the venison haunch; ‘one of the best things I have eaten in a restaurant in a long time’ with the perfect contrast between sweet and sharp. The dessert menu contained numerous delicious sounding puddings but frankly we were stuffed and couldn’t squeeze one in!
The standard of food was definitely superior to your standard gastro pub fair but was still hearty in portion size and down to earth (no ‘foams’ or ‘soils’ in sight!).
They are dog friendly and have rooms (part of the Nelson Hotel chain) if you wanted to make a weekend of it. There are various places of interest to visit within a short drive and some picturesque walks around Bulkeley Hill and the Sandstone Trail (a leaflet containing directions for the local walks is available from The Pheasant).
Looking forward to a return visit.
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