ESSENTIAL LIVING EATING OUT David Dixon, owner of The Shuckburgh Arms, Southwick
The Wheatsheaf, Upper Benefield “Food’s important, but we’re not forgetting that this is also a village pub, where locals like to come and chat,” says Adam. “We believe there’s still a great future for the British country pub.” The Queen’s Head, Bulwick Main Street, Bulwick, NN17 3DY Tel: 01780 450272 We expect new owners starting after a tricky patch to get this delightful pub back on track. And they will be ably supported by head Chef Dan Toyne who used to cook here in its glory days. Queen’s Head, Nassington 54 Station Rd, Nassington, PE8 6OB Tel: 01780 784006 www.queensheadnassington.co.uk A beautiful country inn with frontage onto the River Nene, and recently awarded four stars and a rosette under the AA Award scheme. The inspector was particularly complimentary about the quality of the 28 day aged steaks, which are grilled in the Josper charcoal oven. Red Lion, Warmington Peterborough Rd, Warmington, PE8 6TN Tel: 01832 280362 Superior, home-cooked British food. Diner comment: “Once you have tried it, you will definitely want to return.” No fuss, pub grub in a warm and hospitable environment. Royal Oak, Duddington High St, Duddington, PE9 3QE Tel: 01780 444267 www.theroyaloakduddington.com This pub knows how to deliver pub grub with a twist in modern, contemporary surroundings. A perennial favourite and deservedly so, underpinned by the Chef John Wheeler who has been cooking here for over 20 years.
Ship Inn, Oundle 18 West St, Oundle, PE8 4EF Tel: 01832 273918 www.theshipinn-oundle.co.uk A family-owned free house with great character, a good vibe and delicious home-cooked food. Top pick for a town pub. The Shuckburgh Arms, Southwick Tel: 01832 272044 The perfect pub if you like pubs how they used to be – friendly, informal, locals, take you as you come. And really solid good pub good, much of it locally sourced. David Dixon is the new owner behind it all, long may it continue. The Talbot Hotel, Oundle New St, Oundle PE8 4EA Tel: 01832 273621 www.thetalbot-oundle.com The Grade 1 listed 17th century Talbot Hotel in the centre of Oundle is a prime meeting place. Since it was taken over last summer, by the Bulldog Pub Company, it has been gradually refurbished and it’s regaining its reputation as a place to eat and stay. The Wheatsheaf, Upper Benefield Upper Main St, Upper Benefield, PE8 5AN Tel: 01832 205400 www.benefieldwheatsheaf.co.uk The restaurant’s menu has been earning high praise from diners since chef patron and co-owner David Clipsham arrived last year. Together with Roger Brockbank, General Manager, the two men have carefully plotted a new course for the hotel, aiming to create a warm and friendly atmosphere where nothing is too much trouble. White Swan, Woodnewton White Swan, Main St, Woodnewton, PE8 5EB Tel: 01780 470944 This pub was taken over by Ian Simmons, formerly of The Montague Arms, Barnwell, in 2010, and has
quickly established itself as a popular pub for local ales and good food. Perfect setting King’s Head, Wadenhoe Church Street, Wadenhoe, Nr Oundle, PE8 5ST Tel: 01832 720024. Website: www. kingsheadwadenhoe.co.uk This 17th century country pub serves up delicious meals at pub prices and boasts stunning views across the Nene Valley in a picture-postcard-perfect village of thatched stone cottages. Good start point for several walks. Café ++ Beans 1 New Street, Oundle, PE8 4EA Tel: 01832 270007 www.beanscoffeestop.co.uk Beans provides the ultimate window seat in central Oundle - to eat, drink, and watch the world go. An old building, with shiny chrome and glass tables inside and out (pavement seating in the sun adds to the continental feel), you can enjoy top coffees, paninis, salads, baked potatoes and sandwiches. Smiths at no 4 4 North St, Oundle, PE8 4AL Tel: 01832 270011 Smiths is a place of light airy ambience. Tastefully converted from a former shop, the owners have avoided cramming the limited space - preferring to balance the usual groupings of tables and chairs with occasional sofas around low tables, supplied with current magazines and newspapers..
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