I’ve previously talked about the lovely Gastro Pub the Bluebell in a post I wrote about Henley in Arden and realised the other week it had been a while since we visited, pre blog writing even! So on a sunny Friday lunch time just after we got back from our holidays, we went along to have a bite on their terrace.
Terrace
Incidently we bumped into someone Lee used to work with, who was now one of the supervisors at the Bluebell and her and her colleagues service throughout was excellent.
At lunch they offer their normal A La Carte and also a set price lunch menu. We decided to eat off the main menu, there was lots of light summery tempting dishes on offer. I went for a classic starter, of Steak Tartar. I used be quite scared of this dish many years ago, I was a bit apprehensive of eating anything not cooked at all, but over the last few years, I’ve had a total about turn and can’t get enough of it! This was a really good specimen with a lovely balance to the flavours, and the crunchy sourdough toast was the perfect accompaniment.
Steak Tartar
Steak Tartar
Lee’s starter of Velouté of pea and mint, ricotta, flaked ham hock was also excellent. love the vibrancy of the green, and Lee said it embodied the freshness of summer.
Pea and Mint
Lee’s main was the Rabbit, ham & leek pie, pickled carrots, chervil. He said the pie was divine – and having tried a mouthful I would agree, the meat was so tender and the pastry and seasoning just right. I wasn’t quite as keen on the pickled carrots – not pickled enough for me, but Lee enjoyed them.
Rabbit Pie
I asked for another of the dishes of the starter list for my main as I just loved the sound of it over any of the main courses. It was the Devilled Portland Crab, soft boiled Dickens’ Chickens egg, green beans & shallot vinaigrette. I wasn’t wrong with my choice. I loved it. The crab was delicately spiced the egg soft and creamy, beans crunchy and the shallot dressing added the much needed vinegary tangy kick.
Devilled Crab
Another good meal at the Bluebell, in a lovely setting in the Warwickshire Countryside.
The Bluebell have recently launched their set menu at lunchtimes – two courses for £10. There’s no choice in what you eat, but if you’re not a fussy eater it’s an absolute bargain! We’re heading back over soon to see what it’s all about so watch this space!
http://www.bluebellhenley.co.uk
Disclosure: We paid for our own meal, and all opinions expressed are honest and our own
