Satisfying our appetites – until ‘normal’ service resumes (Review)

AS we all come to terms with a new ‘normal,’ one of life’s treats we’re missing most is dining out at our favourite restaurants.

While hospitality businesses across the country are busily preparing to re-open their doors with appropriate COVID-19 safety measures in place, many are working hard to bring as much of the experience as possible into our homes instead.

My much-loved local of 20 years, The Hatton Arms is among them.

Hatton Arms, COVID-19, lockdown, deliveries, takeaways, review

This popular country pub on the edge of Warwick was sadly forced to hang up the closed sign soon after a much-trumpeted refurbishment and relaunch in February.

Four months on and now gradually re-emerging from lockdown, the Hatton Arms is still managing to hold firm to its principles of locally sourced fresh seasonal ingredients, with its recent unveiling of a reduced down version of the pub’s new lunch and dinner menus.

With hubby’s birthday at the weekend, I decided it was a good opportunity to put their meal delivery service to the test, so, with 24 hours’ notice, we booked a time slot and put in our food orders via email.

Delivery was very prompt and the food arrived piping hot.

Hatton Arms, COVID-19, deliveries, takeaways, review, Warwick

While more limited menu, the menu has been carefully considered to include a little something for all tastes, from pies and burgers to fish and chips and ribs and even Classic Caesar Salad. Vegetarians are also catered for

We took advantage of the keenly priced Burger Bundle – any two burgers and two desserts for £24.95, opting for the Double Stack BBQ Burger (double stacked chargrilled chuck steak burger with mature cheddar, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, dill pickle and BBQ sauce on a ciabatta bun) and the Double Stack Buttermilk Chicken Burger (double stacked buttermilk chicken breast, mature cheddar, lettuce, tomato, dill pickle, garlic mayo and Hatton hot sauce on a ciabatta bun).

Other members of the family chose Fish and Chips (beer-battered haddock, chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce) and a dish called ‘BBQ Heaven.’

Hatton Arms, COVID-19, takeaways, deliveries, Warwick, review
Double Stack BBQ Burger

All were given a big thumbs up, although a word of warning about BBQ Heaven. With five lemon and thyme chicken wings, buttermilk chicken, rack of BBQ pork ribs and skinny fries, this meal is not one for the faint-hearted. In hindsight this could stretch to two people and, while at £19.95, it is the menu’s most expensive option, it actually represents excellent value.

Keep an eye on their Facebook page too for specials.

A small but tantalisingly tempting selection of desserts – chocolate brownie, white chocolate and strawberry cheesecake, fruit crumble or mini cinnamon doughnuts with chocolate dipping sauce – are all generous is portion size. From personal experience I can say the fruit crumble is among the tastiest I’ve had. (And I like to think of myself as a crumble aficionado I’ve indulged in that many!)

All in all we were agreed, this was a very satisfying birthday banquet. Now we’re eyeing up the mouth-watering Sunday Roasts for another weekend. I’ve read positive reviews about these too!

This country pub has established a reputation among locals and visitors for authentic dining and classic British cuisine made with the finest ingredients, often sourced direct from the Hatton Estate.

It is also known for its beautiful sweeping views of the idyllic Hatton Locks. And Hatton Walks has now been re-opened at weekends for guests of the Hatton Arms to enjoy from 9am onwards.

Double Stack BBQ Burger

There are three different circular walking routes that take in the Grand Union Canal, local public footpaths and some beautiful private paths across the Hatton Estate to Hatton Country World. Free walks guides are available to download online by searching for ‘Hatton Walks Warwick.’

While the team has been busy managing social distancing and limiting visitor numbers as well as tidying up litter from the canal towpath, manager Stephanie Ward is also keen that customers consuming their Hatton Arms breakfast baps and coffees, follow the countryside code when visiting the Hatton Locks area. Extra bins have also been provided to help with this.

She said: “We are desperately missing our loyal customers and can’t wait to be able to welcome you back inside our doors again soon. We are awaiting further guidance from the Government on when this can happen.

“In the meantime we’re delighted to be able to continue serving our menu and wish to thank everyone for their invaluable support.”

Hatton Arms, COVID-19, takeaways, deliveries, Hatton, review, Stephanie Ward
Stephanie Ward

Takeaways can be available for collection or delivery between 3-8pm on Fridays, 12 noon-8pm on Saturdays and 12 noon-6pm on Sundays. The full menu can be found at: https://hattonarms.com/takeaway-order-form/ Same day orders can be made from midday by calling 01926 492427. Pre-orders can be made by emailing enquiries@hattonarms.com

Generally speaking, while restaurant food deliveries are a deliciously welcome distraction from our own kitchens, I think we’d all agree they are no real alternative to the authentidc dining out experience. But keep supporting them so we can one day (soon) be back to enjoying the original mine host hospitality in a form that we know and love.

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