Feature /// Sportsman's Dinner
The Wheatsheaf, Langham Will and Wendy savour some fabulous home-cooked food at this village pub Will I don’t think I’ve ever stepped foot inside this pub before but, if TripAdvisor is anything to go by, then it’s doing very well indeed. It’s ranked number one out of 57 in the Oakham area so they are obviously doing more than a few things right. Wendy It’s well lit from the car park and I felt welcome even before we stepped through the doorway and met Mike, the friendly landlord. They have an impressive selection of something like 40 different gins behind the bar, but I’d already ordered a glass of Marlborough sauvignon blanc before I clocked that. It’s probably a good thing though because it would have taken me half an hour to choose. Will Yes, Mike is a breath of fresh air and it’s obvious what an impact he has made. As he explained the building was empty for seven years until he brought it back to life three and half years ago, and he and Andy the chef have worked together ever since. Judging by the way the regulars are chatting with Mike it’s clear he has done a great job of establishing an enjoyable environment for everyone to come. Wendy The number of 2016 British Pie Award certificates behind the bar suggest Andy is producing some excellent food. But before we get to the main courses it was lovely to have some freshly made warm bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to keep the wolf from the
door. The bread’s made on the premises every day and it’s hard to beat that. Will I’m very pleased to see you so happy and glad that simplicity does the trick – I can manage that. And if we are talking about happiness then my sausage and black pudding Scotch egg starter (£5.75) was a package of pure culinary joy. I have had many a good Scotch egg over the years, but that was quite easily the best one I have ever tasted. Sometimes the meat can be a bit too heavy but this was far from it. The blend of sausage, black pudding and herbs was perfect and the egg was just runny enough. With all that flavour I didn’t touch the tomato relish. Wendy I have to agree that was a fine Scotch egg but I enjoyed my crispy fried blanchbait (which is effectively whitebait) with dressed leaves and lemon mayo (£5.50) too. It was a healthy portion packed with fishy goodness. Will My pint of Bombardier Pale was served at the right temperature and clearly comes from a well kept cellar. Mike has made a point of keeping his prices within the realms of reality for most people, and all the beer and food are very reasonable. Where he has really kept a lid on it though is wine by the bottle. With an excellent bottle of sauvignon blanc going for £15 he has resisted the urge to charge silly money and the results are clear – the place is full of happy people enjoying a drink.
Wendy After some indecision I’m glad I went for the steak and ale pie (£14.75), rather than the lamb and mint. As Mike explained the pies here are not just casseroles with a pastry lid, they are all individually made and fully encased pastry pies, served with your choice of potatoes and vegetables and a spare jug of thick gravy. My pie was excellent, although perhaps a little salty for my taste. And I didn’t make much of a dent in my new potatoes because I was so full. Will I went for the sticky barbecue Stincanto (£15.75), which is a heavenly piece of pork marinated on the bone and then cooked for 12 hours. It was served with a homemade slaw and skinny fries and was even better than it sounds. I didn’t think the main course could live up to the Scotch egg starter but it most certainly did. Wendy After all that lovely food we didn’t have space for puddings but something tells me they will be fabulous too. Mike’s a really interesting guy and it’s so pleasing to see someone tap into what people really want from a village pub and restaurant. We’ll definitely be coming back.
The Wheatsheaf
2 Burley Rd, Langham, Oakham, LE15 7HY. 01572 869105 www.thewheatsheaf-langham.co.uk
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