The Wild Rabbit, My new favourite find! I had heard about this place from so many people and passed it many times on our way through Kingham to see family.
The Wild Rabbit was taken over by the Bamfords (Owners of Daylesford organics and Farm) and boy can you tell. Their vision for creativity and style makes this pub so much more than your average pub with Guinness limited edition sketches on the walls, quirky natural tables, arms chairs, log fires and a well styled and inviting bar. This pub oozes cool and you know you are going to get quality everything when you walk through the door.
Peering through the bar door into the restaurant the styling continues. What used to be a car park has been transformed into a big open dining area with an open kitchen (something I love, it shows they have nothing to hide and they are proud of what goes on in the kitchen. I also think this must be good for staff motivation as they feel part of the atmosphere and service, watching customers enjoy their creations, rather than being tucked away behind closed doors). On the central island there was a huge vase of not flowers but cut magnolia branches with the buds just starting to flower which just looked absolutely stunning and filled what is a big room with high ceilings. On the floor is a glass covered well which makes you feel dizzy standing on it, it is so deep!
All of this but somehow it still retains the local cosy pub feel to it. You could rock up in jeans and converse for a pint or Dress up for dinner and sample the cocktail menu all night. They describe it as a Re-invented English Inn, which totally true. It feels, different, modern, 2015 but without losing the charm of a local pub.
It was a beautiful sunny February day when we went through for the first time (we have been twice since, obsessed!) and it was almost warm enough to sit outside. We opted for sitting indoors by the fire for what would probably be the last time before spring properly kicks in. Although what we had realised is the fire that we were sat by was a double fire that heated an outdoor space on the other side of the wall! I had the most delicious Gin and Tonic, Hendricks being their house gin, served with fever Tree Tonic, a chunk of lime and ribbons of cucumber WOW! Not just your average G&T!
Now for the food. We only opted for a light lunch of the bar menu as it was an impulsive stop off after a big breakfast. Also I think we were in early enough to get a table if we had wanted to but I would recommend booking. We were supposed to go for an evening meal months ago but left it too late to book. This is a popular place to be.
I had a Beetroot and Goats Curd salad on a sourdough flat bread, which was even better than it sounded. There were golden and purple beetroots, roasted, pickled and candied which added a good mixture of sweet and tarte to cut through the creamy goats curd. I also loved the beetroot ketchup served on the side which I mopped up with the remainder of my crispy flat bread.
The boys had pollock goujons which James said were the best he had had ever and said the same about the twice cooked chucky chips. They were like the most delicious roast potatoes but in chip form!
Now you are going to think I am weird, but I have to mention the toilets! Not only do the beautiful little pieces of quirky art ontinue and the toilet rolls are held on the wall with varnished tree braches but the sinks are incredible! The new Dyson concept that washes and dries your hands, all from one tap. Super cool. Treat your self to Bamford soap and Bamford hand-cream for the ultimate toilet stop experience ;) !
Good news too, if you are not local then there are B&B rooms which I have just had a look at on the website. They are beautiful and I am tempted even as a local to book us in over the summer so that we can have a long summer evening in the garden, sample a few more of those amazing cocktails, stumble to bed and wake up for the delicious breakfast in the morning!
Millie and Meg x
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