Queen's Head, The

This handsome former alehouse has re-emerged as a well-run and welcoming gastropub within easy distance of Loughborough. Former habitués would hardly recognise the old place, with its smart to the point of chic furnishings, cool décor, altogether the sort of place that would fit in well to a metropolitan scene.

Head Chef David Ferguson has a firm grip on the culinary front with menus that excite the taste buds and draw from a generous span. He has clearly got off to an excellent start by retaining the award of a second rosette by the AA in 2008.

The menu offers seven starters and seven main courses, alongside a varied and exciting list of lite bites and pub classics. Start with a tasty warm crab and basil tart with rocket salad and lemon vinaigrette, cream of cauliflower soup with Lancashire cheese and chives or Parma ham salad with red onion, rocket, pine nuts and aged Parmesan.

Loughborough may not be exactly 'sur mer', but the fish is beautifully fresh and the monkfish with boulangere potatoes, celeriac and trompets makes an attractive combination. The partridge from the Prestwold estate with fondant potato, Savoy cabbage and beetroot puree is the sort of dish that restores confidence after a hard day.

Amongst the puddings look out for steamed chocolate pudding pineapple sorbet and a Malibu milkshake, and guests are seldom surprised to find well kept local Colston Basset Stilton available - perfect with a glass of Ramos Pinto LBV Port.

The keenly priced set menu and bar snacks list, both complement the main menu, displaying a shrewd understanding of the requirements of the local market and customer base.

From time to time special meals are staged, one of the most recent being a Michel Laroche Wine Dinner, with some enticing wines of the region, including some of their spellbinding Chablis, surrounded by a meal that perfectly complements their excellence. The Domaine is represented; the aura is one of introspective excellence. A punchy wine list displays a good range of choices and an awareness of the current trends in taste, with 17 or so by the glass. Prices accommodate all wallets sensibly.

The Queen's Head earned a Silver Award in the East Midlands Enjoy Excellence Awards under the 'Best Pub Experience' category. If you would like to find out more a visit to their Website is the best place to start.