This year, The Earl (my dining companion) and I made a New Years Resolution that we would step off the whirlwind of life once a month to go somewhere and have a proper Sunday Roast Dinner. February was the turn of The Farmer’s Dog near Burford, Oxfordshire, and we were excited to sample Jeremy Clarkson’s much publicised British pub. It did not disappoint.
We booked in advance and were advised that we could have a table from 12-1pm, which seemed a bit rushed but with hindsight, and knowing the way The Earl bolts down his food, it was plenty of time and felt relaxed. The service was friendly, it was busy, but not overcrowded, and there were fun touches for the fans (no spoilers here).
The Sunday lunch menu is a carvery, which always makes my heart sink a bit, but this one is done really well. They have perfected a system where you don’t spend ages queuing, and you get served by a member of the team, rather than having to wonder whether someone before you has licked the serving spoon. As we’re on a mission to find greatness in our traditional British meal, The Earl and I both had beef, yorkshires, cauliflower cheese and an amazing range of veg, even red cabbage,which I love. Everything is locally sourced and supporting British farmers, just the way it should be.
Both The Earl and I took one point off our out-of-ten rating. Me, because I like a bit more kick in my horseradish sauce – yes that is all I could find to fault in the plate. The Earl deducted a point because he likes thicker gravy! In comparison, the January venue only scored a six from The Earl, who is super fussy when it comes to his roast dinner.
Although we both promised ourselves that we wouldn’t have a pudding, who can resist apple crumble and custard? The portion was huge, and it was delicious, not overly sweet and there was still some substance in the apple.
After our meal, we wandered around the enormous pub garden, the views over the Oxfordshire countryside are incredible, and we visited the farm shops housed in The Grand Tour tent.
The Farmer’s Dog isn’t just a gimmicky experience, the food is really good, it’s well presented and served with pride. I love that everything is produced nearby. You can’t have coffee, ketchup or lemonade, but that’s OK, because what you can have tastes amazing.
Sunday Roast (plus pudding) – £32.50 per adult – Score 9/10
