Minnow, The

The Minnow is one of those pubs that have surfaced on the mainstream of casual eating in the UK in the last ten years and are taking an increasing share of the market, evidenced by their growth in numbers and the popularity of what they have to offer.

Contemporary pubs such as these usually share a number of characteristics. An important feature is space, preferably a restaurant where you are comfortable, not over-awed, and not sharing elbow space with the next table, however sociable they may be. Good, too, to have a garden, optional al fresco eating out space, and by no means least a roomy and well stocked bar where you can actually get served without undue delay. If a pub offers all of these, and is in a good location, there is little reason in today's economic climate why it should not flourish. The Minnow provides ample evidence that this is true.

The ambience is very relaxed with its beautifully restored building and manicured gardens. The informal bar and dining areas have a décor where contemporary meets organic and melds into copper topped tables, comfortable banquette seating, real fires and wine prints on the walls.

The term 'gastropub' covers a multitude of blessings and it is possible to see influences of brasserie, bistro, restaurant and even café at work within the great gastro umbrella. So expect to find no one single cuisine, but a blend designed to provide something for everybody, no matter what their treat may be. To set the right note of fashionable sociability there are sharing plates, Spanish tapas of Serrano ham, manchego, sardines, chorizo and tortilla, a baked Camembert with rustic bread, Greek mezze with taramasalata with humus, tzatziki, feta and flatbread, or a pizzette with garlic, rocket and Parmesan.

Amongst the starters, there is freshly made soup, grilled asparagus with poached egg, parmesan and rocket, crab cakes with mango, chilli and coriander salsa, or caramelised onion tart. Look, too, for Black Pearl scallops when the market is right. You can also find a traditional Caesar salad with chicken, marinated anchovies and parmesan among others in the salad or 'leaves' section of the menu.

These days no self-respecting gastropub can afford to be without its pizza range; expect to find a classic margherita of tomato, mozzarella and basil, or the challenging diavolo spiced chicken with peppadew peppers, chilli and tabasco.  Pastas include fettuccine with salmon, prawns, coconut, spring onions and chilli, chef's choice risotto, or penne with crab, tomato, and pepperonata. For the big event there is always a fish of the day on request.

The steak burger with Swiss cheese, bacon, relish and fries is popular, a sign of the times and improving taste in eating as For hearty eaters there are good fillet steaks with horseradish Chantilly, green beans and frites. A wide range of supporting dishes includes buttered new potatoes, Belgium frites and mayo, and greens, leeks and peas. For those who have to be lashed to a plank to induce them to eat root vegetables, try them there, honey roasted and altogether different from the all too often pallid, steamed variety. For desserts resort to the blackboard, where there is always a good display, often with some of the local cheeses to set the buffs alight.

The Minnow stocks a wide range of beers, both well-loved draught ales and bottled from further afield. The wine list covers plenty of territory from traditional clarets to Pinot Grigio, and champagne by the glass or bottle is always available. Service is cheerful, brisk and totally in keeping with the friendly nature of a good English gastropub.

Their informative Website will keep you up to date on changes in menu and forthcoming events.Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.