Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2015
The Akeman Inn on Bicester Road near Waddesdon has been taken on by the award-winning Oakman Inns & Restaurants group and is now buzzing with weary travellers and destination diners enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and quality fare...
O
nce a vital stop for mail and stagecoaches on Akeman Street, the Roman road and main route from London to Cirencester, The Akeman Inn, (formely The Cook and Fillet and before that The Crooked Billet) is a welcoming stop off or journey’s end, offering a stylish but comfortable, relaxed and informal retreat for a business lunch, coffee and chat, family lunch, romantic meal or special occasion. The Akeman Inn is a roomy place (there’s lots of parking outside too), with plenty of space to enjoy a drink or two at the bar, or put your feet up in the cosy coffee lounge, while the comfortable modern restaurant with open kitchen area, boasts an impressive wood-fired pizza oven, which creates tempting aromas as you sit down to dinner. Watch out for the occasional low beam, though - folk were a lot shorter back in the 17th Century when this ancient inn was originally constructed. Oakman Inns purchased the hostelry in September and following a major re-fit last November, have created a popular all-day eating and drinking destination, combining plush leather banquettes and sofas with wood burning stoves, oak floors and beams and muted traditional colours. Oakman’s philosophy is to provide high quality and authentic ingredients, honest presentation and great service. They have Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) accreditation and offer ethically sourced,
British meat, free-range eggs and sustainably sourced fish, local produce and local beers where possible. Whether you’re visiting for breakfast, lunch or dinner, there is an inspiring choice of good, imaginatively prepared food on offer. The Mediterranean-influenced menu ranges from handmade pizzas to pastas, fish, meat and sharing platters. The Akeman Inn is open every day from 8am for breakfast - from a Full English, to Coffee and Croissant, or Eggs Benedict and for lunch there’s dishes such as Crab & Pomegranate Stack (Chilli and lemon dressed crab meat, pickled cucumber and avocado) or Roasted Golden & Pink Beetroot (with tenderstem broccoli, chia seed, honey, orange zest, yoghurt and thyme dressing) followed by: pasta, pizza, fresh fish specials or a chargrilled steak, burger, salmon or chicken from the charcoal Josper Grill; or perhaps Pork Belly, Braised Cornish Lamb Shoulder or Jacob’s Ladder (Slow-cooked on the bone
British beef ribs, caramelised onion mash, roasted carrots, kale and pan juices). There’s lots of super-healthy salad options too, light bites and of course some mouthwatering desserts - Banoffee Mess; Chocolate Nutty Sundae; Sticky Toffee Pudding with Jude’s Vanilla Ice Cream... A supremely quaffable winelist, selection of beers and lagers, well-stocked spirit shelf, tempting cocktails, artisan coffee and range of teas, hot chocolate and soft drinks means there’s something to quench most thirsts too. Pop in for yourself and see why Oakman Inns have won awards such as: Restaurant Magazine Pub Company of The Year 2014 & 2013 and Publican Best Community Pub Operator 2014. l The Akeman Inn, Kingswood, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0QJ Tel: 01296 770318 Email: akemaninn@oakmaninns.co.uk Web: www.akemaninnkingswood.co.uk Open Mon-Sat: 8am-Midnight, Sun: 8am-11pm
Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2015
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