Character building, modern decor, good food

The Ostrich is the third oldest Inn in the UK. Dating from 1106, it combines everything that you would expect of an historic coaching inn: beams, fireplaces, crooked stairs, a cobbled courtyard and an interesting history.The modern interior does come as a bit of a surprise after viewing the wonky timbered facade; expect black slate floors, chunky, contemporary wooden furniture, brilliant jewel colours & stained glass, as well as huge, sagging, sand-blasted beams, standing timbers & open fires. Chris Perkins (previously of Michelin starred ‘Star Inn' at Harome) has developed a wide-ranging, extensive menu to reflect the demands of the area & its varied clientele. His style is modern British, with a few classic dishes given a contemporary twist, so while lunchtimes can be busy delivering sandwiches, burgers, salads & various rice & pasta dishes, there are also blackboard specials listing the sausage, pie, & fresh fish dish of the day, plus an à la carte menu of good things such as rosemary & thyme lamb goujons with apple & mint dip, excellent sea bass fillets on lemon & dill risotto with parmesan crisps and desserts to make your mouth waterThe specials board changes daily, reflecting fresh seasonal trends. There is an Express Menu if you are in a hurry. A hearty Sunday lunch menu featuring traditional roasts is available from 12.00 noon through to 5.30pm, allowing you to have a lie in! I've eaten here on a number of occasions, accompanied by an ex-Michelin star chef and we were always delighted with the food and the service. Amazingly, despite him living reasonably locally and being very well-known we never saw anyone we knew, so I think this may still be a reasonably well kept secret …

A User - 07/07/2007 | report this review