Bounty of seasonal ingredients (Review)

HARVEST Festival season is a great time for foodies as it means a bounty of flavour and fresh ingredients on our dinner plates. What’s not to love?!

And the chefs at The Durham Ox in Shrewley are making it easy for us to indulge with their new Autumn/Winter Menu of comforting and warming seasonal fare.

A Warwick resident for more than 20 years, The Durham Ox in nearby Shrewley is not an unfamiliar haunt and I was delighted to be invited back to be among the first to sample the new menu.

A warm welcome, contemporary decor and an inviting window table set the scene for the culinary adventure to come – and it didn’t disappoint.

From a choice of six starters, ranging in price from £6 and £8.50, I opted for the Sticky Pork Belly Burnt Ends, which was definitely a first for me. My husband’s Chilli & Garlic King Prawns and my son’s Crispy Buffalo Wings were all polished off with relish (not literally!) and, all round, proved tasty openers to proceedings.

The Durham Ox kitchen is not afraid to be bold in its flavour combinations and this was even evident in the most traditional of British dishes – Bangers and Mash. My Ring Cumberland Sausage with French mustard mash, red onion chutney and rich jus, was tasty indeed. I’ve always been a fan of classical food done well and this is certainly an example of that.

Hubby’s Beef Medallion Steaks, served with cherry confit tomatoes, chips and choice of sauce, was cooked just to his liking and heartily devoured. Likewise my son’s Sirloin.

As well as steak, main course options include a good range of burger, chicken and fish dishes plus the rather tempting Braised Pork Belly with Bubble & Squeak (one for next time!) and, for vegans and veggies, Lentil Shepherd’s Pie, served with seasonal greens.

Trying hard to leave enough capacity to sample the desserts menu (not easy with their generous portions) I shared with my son a delicious slice of their Orange & Chocolate Tart (served with salted popcorn and Chantilly cream) while hubby made short work of the Baked New York-Style Cheesecake. Happily, they tasted as delicious as they looked!

It’s worth noting there is also a decent little selection of Sharers, particularly good for those just looking for some social snacking with friends while enjoying a drink – or two. Take your pick from a Charcuterie Platter, Sundried Tomato & Red Pepper Hummus, Baked House Bread & Olives or Rosemary & Garlic Baked Camembert.

After a difficult period for the hospitality industry – and while facing challenges that still remain – I’m delighted to report the Durham Ox is once more a gastro pub earning its place on the local foodie map.

Classic food using fresh local ingredients, cooked and served to a high standard and against an attractive and sophisticated backdrop – is what we expect for our money – and it’s absolutely what we got.

Durham Ox

Check out the Durham Ox’s new menu here

Visit The Durham Ox here

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