The Old Pheasant

The first of Richard Graham’s modernised country pubs (see review for the Collyweston Slater) sets the template for balancing tradition with a contemporary zing. The ground floor has all the accoutrements of a smart country restaurant, although there is space for just having a drink – Pheasant Ale from Grainstore, perhaps, or Everards Original. The kitchen cooks a selection of upmarket pub/restaurant dishes, ranging from up-to-the-minute Mediterranean specialities such as fresh tagliatelle with chicken, bacon, parmesan & truffle oil, to old favourites such as Lincolnshire sausages with bubble & squeak & onion gravy. Service is personable, the wine list surpasses most pub efforts & the nine bedrooms upstairs are a delight.