Tuesday 26 January 2010

Thank You For The Days

Just back from a wonderful weekend away; a birthday treat from my excellent wife Solveig (in conjunction with the as-per-usual top-notch babysitting services provided by mum & dad, for which much thanks are due).

Having nipped off early on Friday afternoon and taken the appropriate exit off the M4 (indeed, we had to Turn After Reading*), we headed for the picturesque Goring-on-Thames in which nestles The Miller Of Mansfield, as recommended on Mr & Mrs Smith. Really nice little 'boutique' pub hotel with a fantastic restaurant (do try the shin of beef, it was as melty as it gets) as well as a snug bar with a log fire and a decent selection of gins. We realised when we arrived that we had somehow forgotten how to relax; indeed, it took a while for us to stop wondering where on earth the kids were. But unwind we did and with some walks along the (thin end of the) Thames and a trip up to Bicester on the Saturday, it was a properly brilliant break from the Smoke.


Due to good planning, we also squeezed in an extra treat on the way back, in the form of a visit to Heston Blumenthal's pub in Bray, the Hind's Head (in fact, as we were a bit early, we went looking for the Fat Duck, but somehow never found it!) and what a treat it was. We were tempted by the Sunday roast, but both decided on pies, having been advised by a few people that they were worth the journey. We did start with a Scotch (quail's) egg each, though, and these were splendid - by turns crispy, meaty and perfectly soft:

Hinds Head Scotch EggHinds Head Scotch Egg

For our mains we had Shepherds Pie (with lamb leg, breast and sweetbreads topped with mustard mash) and Spinach & Mushroom Pie (served with a Jerusalem artichoke sauce). They were both outstanding and tasted as good as they look:

Hinds Head Shepherds PieHinds Head Shepherds Pie

Hinds Head Spinach & Mushroom PieHinds Head Spinach & Mushroom Pie

After a full weekend of indulgence, we simply couldn't face dessert, so we'll just have to go back and try the rest of the menu at some point. Right, dear?

Anyway, what a brilliant weekend - almost enough to make me forget that next year is THAT ONE :)


* I'm truly sorry, I really am

4 comments:

  1. I seriously want to try that Scotch egg.

    I also love the restaurant you went to. Have you been to the Yew Tree?

    http://www.theyewtree.net/

    I think I might try it when I'm there in March, PM me if you're interested in a trip out to Newbury.

    I mean, if you're interested in driving us out to Newbury when I'm there!

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  2. Sounds like you had a really great time... it's good to get the chance to unwind.

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  3. According to this week's edition of Heat, Jude Law and Sienna Miller were spotted in said Hind's Head, "looking v much a couple". Can you confirm or deny?

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  4. Do you know the most bizarre thing. It didn't click with me at all Katherine and I have stayed at that hotel it was the one which had the toilet in the bedroom that slightly freaked me out.

    We were there for a wedding so didn't have dinner just breakfast but that was very good.

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