Best Sunday Roast in the Cotswolds
Last weekend my Dad, the kiddos and I decided to visit Hook Norton in the Cotswolds, famous for its brewery, which celebrates its 175th anniversary this year. It was a Sunday and we were following a recommendation for the best roast in the Cotswolds – to be found at The Sun pub, which also serves Hook Norton ales.
Although privately owned, the pub boasts a village feel, with upcoming events chalked up on boards around the pub and a thriving Aunt Sally team, plus smart bedrooms. Originally two 16th Century coaching inns, the Sun joined up with its next-door neighbour the Red Lion 30 years ago. The atmosphere is gastropub meets community pub, with log fires, happy families and oodles of space, plus a large patio, great garden and events room with pool table.
The warmest of welcomes was given by manager of five years' Becks, who made a fuss of the children and made sure we had everything we needed. She told us the brewery still delivers its ales to the pub on its own shire horses too, from time to time. The Sun prides itself on being family friendly, going the extra mile with a table of assorted pencils, colouring and puzzle books, plus child friendly cutlery.
To start we devoured smoked salmon in a fennel salad and ham hock served with chutney, sourdough, salad with orange dressing and pickled red onions. Head chef Fran also curates some great vegan options on the menu.
A serious roasting
But we had come for the roast. And disappoint it did not. Succulent chicken, pork and beef (we tried them all) was wedged next to perfect roast potatoes, veg and glazed carrots, along with the essential cauliflower cheese – all topped with the most enormous Yorkshire pud each we’d ever seen. My pork had the extra bonus of crunchy crackling on top.
Pudding for all
Tummies full, we waited a while before ordering lemon posset to share, which came with a tart raspberry coulis on top and moreish shortbread. Kids had strawberry and bubble gum ice cream, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.
As I checked my watch, I realised three and a half hours had pleasantly passed. After saying our thank yous to the team, driving home – with my Dad and the kids happily snoozing, I decided the Sun’s Sunday roast was most definitely the best the Cotswolds had to offer.
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