Out & About Summer 2019

Out&About food & drink

There was a pesto swirl on top, providing a lovely after-taste. It took us a long time to choose our main course because the options are genuinely mouth-watering. Eventually we chose from the specials board. Mandy plumped for smoked haddock and spinach gratin, poached egg and mash (£13.75). This was a generous piece of fish sitting atop a good pile of spinach; the gratin was milky and subtle – not so cheesey as to overwhelm the haddock. The egg was poached exactly so that it held its shape until pierced, at which point it spilled deliciously over the rest of the food. The mash was smooth and creamy. I selected the prawn and crab bloomer sandwich, salad and chips (£12.50). I was a little surprised that the prawn and crab had been combined into a sort of mousse filler – I had been expecting whole prawns and crab meat – however, the result was still full of flavour. The green salad was fresh and tasty and the chips were perfect: evenly cooked and piping hot. There are some pudding options on the main menu, but John brought a separate dessert menu featuring an even wider array of appealing choices, from tummy-filling sticky toffee pudding or chocolate sundae (complete with brownie, ice cream, whipped cream, toasted almonds and hot chocolate sauce) to lighter ice creams, sorbets and pannacotta. Mandy had to leave at this point, so I valiantly flew solo and chose the apple crumble pie with vanilla ice cream (£7). Well, my taste buds were in heaven. The pie has a light crust, full of large, soft apple pieces that melt in your mouth, the crumble is crisp and sweet and the ice cream melts deliciously over the top. There’s a pretty twirl of tempered chocolate on top, which I devoured first, but the more restrained diner might save it for last... To finish this heavenly meal, I ordered mint tea, which arrived in a pretty pot with a delicate matching cup, to my delight. Doesn’t tea always taste better in fine china? WiFi is free if you feel the need to post a photo of your delicious food on social media. It’s a good idea to scan The Red House’s website before you book, that way you can see the varied menus covering lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, as well as the wine list. The pub runs events as well, including quiz nights and themed food nights. Guests can hold meetings, parties and weddings there and even hire the whole pub – including individual menus and entertainment. You can also buy vouchers for meals and treat your friends or family for a special occasion. I’m already planning my next visit – a walk along the canal followed by afternoon tea in the garden – as I can’t resist the lure of sandwiches, scones and maybe even a glass of prosecco. The Red House, Marsh Benham, Newbury, RG20 8LY (01635) 582017 / www.theredhousepub.com

Beer garden

Crispy halloumi

Smoked haddock and spinach gratin

Apple crumble pie

Fine china for tea

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O&A SUMMER 2019