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The Admiral Hornblower, Oakham The Admiral Hornblower Hotel and Restaurant is a beautiful privately owned, family run hotel in the heart of Oakham. Abigail Richardson and friends investigate…
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T was with great enthusiasm that I set out for lunch at the recently refurbished Admiral Hornblower in Oakham. I have many happy memories of the pub and am delighted it has been taken on and restored by the successful team at the Finch’s Arms in Hambleton. A sister venture for The Finches, daughter Charlotte told me that her parents have over 30 years’ experience in the business; they bought the Peacock at Redmile in 1987 which sold in 1999. Then they went on to open the Blue Ball in Braunston in 1991 and on to the Finch’s Arms at Hambleton in 1997. Mark Gough of course heads the kitchen there now and the rest is history. With her parents threatening to retire, Charlotte and her brother thought The
Hornblower would be a fantastic launch pad for their independent careers in the trade. So with their parents’ experience and help they are all taking the next step together. Charlotte, having previously a background in in Fashion PR in London, explains further: “Both myself and my brother grew up in traditional English Inns, so you could say it’s in our blood and my brother has been in the hospitality industry for many years. I think we always knew we would carry on the family business one day. We have handpicked a fantastic front of house and kitchen team. Our Head Chef, Gary Hewitt previously Head Chef at the World Service in Nottingham, has created a relaxed and exciting menu using local fresh produce. The Pub is at the heart of English culture and we wanted to expand on the Admiral Hornblower’s cosy traditions and add a touch of luxury with fantastic food.” The menu was just my kind of thing – lots of sharing boards, nibbles and interesting looking starters. Who needs a main? – Although they
did look tantalising with such offerings as Lemon Sole and Confit Lamb Shoulder and actually I opted for the Roasted Chicken Breast with Cesar Salad (£9.50) – crispy, succulent warm chicken breast – beautifully cooked with oodles of leaves and tasty croutons. Geetisha had the Smoked Haddock, Tomato and Parmesan Risotto (£9.50) which she devoured although it was nearly the same size as her! Emma also thoroughly enjoyed the Blue Cheese and Pear Salad with Walnuts and Chicory (£10.50). We were served complimentary olives and warm bread to start and it was truly a feast and great value for money. We are planning a return with the husbands to try the sharing boards such as the Assiette of Charcuterie with breads and pickles at a reasonable £12 and the generous looking fish board at £14, and we may even get to the desserts next time….can’t wait! • Log on to www.hornblowerhotel.co.uk or call Tel: 01572 723004 for reservations.
The Wheatsheaf Langham Congratulations to the also newly refurbished Wheatsheaf pub in Langham for their recent awards; they were named Best Overall Small Producer at the eighth annual British Pie Awards in Melton Mowbray
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EAD chef Andy Saunders impressed a panel of top pie experts including TV chef Andy Bates, food critic Charles Campion and Chef Rachel Green with his succulent steak and ale pie. Andy said a commitment to using the best local ingredients was key to his success. Landlord Mike Kilby added: “The awards are proudly on display and we’re shouting from the rooftops that our pies are among the best in the country. We want Rutlanders to come and experience our offerings.” You can find The Steak and Ale Pie on the menu at £13.95. It is served with a choice of potato, fresh vegetables and rich cooking reduction gravy but due to popularity there may be limited stock. The versatile menu also includes: Chargrilled Rump of Lamb served with crushed minted new season potatoes, red wine reduction and fresh vegetables for £16.95, Sticky BBQ Stincanto, a generous cut
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of Pork marinated in their own BBQ sauce and slow cooked for 12 hours until meltingly tender served with spiced ‘slaw’, salad and skinny fries, 14.95 and King Prawn Stir fry with mixed vegetables, noodles and their own soy, oyster, ginger and garlic sauce for £12.95. New to the menu are stone baked Pizzas, freshly prepared and cooked to order and topped with fresh ingredients. • What are we waiting for? For more information log on to: www.thewheatsheaf-langham.co.uk.
RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2016
22/06/2016 14:08