The White Lion in Radford Semele is putting its best foot forward this season with superb new food and drinks menus, an exciting calendar of events and a glorious garden.
The beautiful, thatched pub in the heart of the village, yet just a stone’s throw from Leamington Spa, is the perfect place to enjoy delicious things to eat and drink in relaxed surroundings, whatever the occasion. Tucked behind it is a spacious, secluded garden that’s full of blossom and comfortably furnished with plenty of spots to soak up some sunshine.
The pub’s now serving its new spring menu using the best of the season’s bounty – Cornish lamb, spring greens, Devonshire crab, daily market fish and English asparagus.
Sip on a Rosé Spritz, a refreshing, summery combination of El Bandarra Rosé Vermouth, prosecco and soda, before enjoying a watercress broad bean and pea soup with crème fraîche and ciabatta or hand-picked Devonshire crab with cured salmon, apple and cucumber. British coppa with celeriac remoulade and watercress or twice-baked Cheddar and Comté soufflé with rocket and walnut salad are also delectable, especially when paired with a glass of fresh Vinho Verde, a citrusy blend of Portuguese Loureiro and Alvarinho grapes.
Adventurous dishes like beetroot tartare, butternut yolk and pea salad or roast heritage carrot and bulgar wheat salad laced with preserved lemon, pomegranate molasses and hazelnuts sit happily alongside favourites such as free-range chicken schnitzel with garlic and parsley butter, rocket, Parmesan and fries, and 14 hour braised beef and ale pie with buttered mash, greens and gravy.
New season Cornish lamb cannon with spring greens, pea purée and rosemary jus is not to be missed and neither is the classic fish pie packed with king prawn, hake, loch trout and smoked salmon or the pub’s amazing Aubrey Allen burger.
Head Chef Stefan Elliott also creates a selection of daily changing specials using excellent seasonal and local produce, which always fly off the pass. Jimmy Butler’s onion bhaji Scotch egg with mango purée, tomato and coriander salsa; baked Cornish lemon sole with Wye Valley asparagus that’s at its seasonal best and served with brown crab Hollandaise plus Aubrey Allen flat iron steak with patatas a lo pobre, pesto, Parmesan and rocket are just three of his recent specials.
There’s also a new breakfast menu. Try the green eggs – poached eggs and basil pesto, prosciutto and rocket on toasted sourdough from the Bread Factory – or the chilli-fried free-range egg and halloumi on a brioche roll with baby spinach and Bloody Mary ketchup.
And you can enjoy a Tuesday night treat of two steak and frites and a carafe of wine for £30.
There’s also a season of events coming up. Friday night means Fish, Chips & Fizz, with a choice of starter and a fish course finishing with The White Lion’s Chippy Tea – Cornish lemon and herb monkfish scampi, battered haddock, pil pil king prawns, triple cooked chips, tartare sauce and minted mushy peas – all alongside a wine tasting hosted by the pub’s wine supplier Tanners of Shrewsbury.
The pub will be making the most of summer and celebrating the iconic Wimbledon tournament by serving up a pudding board perfect for the occasion. Settle into the garden and enjoy English strawberries and gin jelly with a jug of Pimm’s on the side for the ultimate indulgent treat. Pimm’s on the Lawn is from 3rd to 16th July.
On Thursday, 24th August, Head Chef Stefan will be sharing his love of Spanish food with his special Spanish Supper. For one night only, he’ll be bringing some of his favourite tapas dishes to the terrace, from croquetas de jamón to patatas bravas, paella and tortilla.
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