CHRISTMAS has been declared at The Hatton Arms in Warwick – and their new seasonal menu is already satisfying a huge local appetite for this year’s festivities.
With sweeping views of the idyllic Hatton Locks, the award-winning country pub has established a reputation among locals for authentic dining and classic British cuisine made with the finest ingredients, often sourced direct from the privately-owned Hatton Estate.
Following a refurbishment last year, the gastro pub has adopted a fresh modern look inside and out including a new lighter and brighter and contemporary interior to greet visitors, while still staying true to the traditional pub vibe the locals have come to love.
The Hatton Arms’ festive menu, available Monday to Saturday, also reflects the pub’s provenance with an emphasis on locally sourced fresh seasonal ingredients – among them meat from Rowleys Butchers in Leamington and Warwick; poultry from Adlingtons near Coventry; beef from Oxfordshire; vegetables from Alcester; eggs from Chadwick End and bread from Henley.
Carefully crafted Starters ranging from Smoked Salmon & Dill Pate and Mini Melting Camembert to Pheasant & Chestnut Terrine are among the highlights, while delicious Mains include a new twist of the Christmas turkey dinner – Breaded Turkey Escalope, Salmon Supreme with Roasted Root Vegetables and Chestnut, Parsnip & Cranberry Loaf. My personal favourite dish of the night though was the Apricot-Stuffed Roast Pork Loin, offering delicious with winning flavour combinations that I’d been keen to have again. Worth noting too that vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diners are certainly well catered for.
We were so glad we also left room for dessert though – with a tempting line-up which includes traditional Christmas Pudding, Mulled Wine Winter Berries Pavlova and Chocolate Brownie. I can certainly vouch for how moreish the Christmas pudding is. A great seasonal and warming course to polish off proceedings – along with another cold glass of your favourite tipple of course!.
It’s all painstakingly prepared under the expert eye of head chef Jakub Fijak, whose food has been enjoyed at the Hatton Arms for more than five years.
Jakub, from Poland, has 27 years’ experience in professional kitchens and prides himself on ‘classic British cuisine with a bit of a modern twist, cooked with fresh seasonal ingredients to order. No nonsense, just great food.’
Those who relish simple food done well will certainly appreciate their Hatton Arms experience.
The pub also stocks a variety of local ales, draught beers and organic ciders alongside a wide selection of wines, spirits plus mulled wine and festive cocktails to help get you into that party spirit.
And at just £23.95 for two courses or £28.95 for three, it’s among the best value around.
I am so pleased to be able to call The Hatton Arms my local for the past 20 years. It delivers on food, service and atmosphere and is popular with regulars. If you live a bit further afield though and haven’t yet had the pleasure – don’t delay – as the countdown to Christmas is most definitely on.
The Hatton Arms is open 12pm-11pm Monday-Saturday and 12pm-10.30pm Sundays. Visit here
