The Swan at Streatley (High Street, Streatley on Thames, nr Reading, Berkshire, RG8 9HR) We were not expecting much of the food while staying for a night in a British hotel in the off season. However, the Swan at Streatley tuned out to be exceptional. The Foie gras and chicken liver parfait with chopped Sauterne jelly was wonderfully light and full of flavour. The sauce Gribiche with the gougeons of sole had bite texture and tang. Roast cod on a bed of risotto nero with perfect peppers and accompanied by sampfire was a true delight. The pan fried duck, a perfect pink, accompanied by a beetroot puree was a classic with a twist. The wine list too is interesting and varied and a bottle of Graves for under thirty pounds offered excellent value. All staff knew their roles and acted them impeccably but unobtrusively, showing a service orientation that is hard to find these days. Breakfast was a perfect example of how a morning should start on a dull February day. We look forward to dinner again tonight and hope to return in future.
Link to this reviewFebruary 2010 |