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It was not a particularly inspiring Spring morning when Sue and I pulled into the spacious car park at The Bear and Ragged Staff in Cumnor, and when we met the owner Mark Greenwood he wasn’t expecting a busy lunchtime and would therefore be able to join us for lunch. So much for ‘the best laid plans…….!!’
We hardly saw Mark, from the moment we arrived, parties of two, three, four and twenty five came in and soon the restaurant was absolutely full!
Sue and I shared a bottle of sparkling Hildon Water and spent some time over the very attractive menus, which provided for set meals and a la carte. Sue had the Mezze with Pitta Bread, Manchego Cheese, Fig Jam and Hummous, whilst I had the Leek and Potato Soup, as did Mark. To accompany our food we had a bottle of the Pinot Grigio, La Delfino from Veneto in Italy which had soft floral flavours on the palette and a refreshingly smooth finish.
We had agonized long and hard over our main course and finally Sue chose the Pork and Wild Boar Faggots with Mashed Potato and Red Cabbage. I went for the 8 oz Char Grilled Venison Steak with Hand Cut Chips and a White Leaf Salad. I asked for the steak to come medium rare (as it did) and chose the Port and Redcurrant Sauce to go with it. Mark (when he had a second) had his favourite, the Slow Roasted Guinea Fowl Casserole with Mashed Potatoes and Bacon and Tarragon dumplings.
We all enjoyed our meals immensely and Mark’s specialisation in game has certainly paid off. Normally we usually pass on the dessert but Mark pointed out the Vanilla and Peach Crème Brulée with a raspberry and almond biscuit. This was an inspired choice as it rounded off our meals perfectly.
Mark took over The Bear and Ragged Staff in December 2008 and renovated the building throughout. It has a spacious dining area and can accommodate parties of up to 150 in one sitting.
To complement the excellent dining facilities, Mark is hoping to add a number of rooms in the Autumn and by the Spring will have up to nine bedrooms available. The building is Grade II Listed and every care has been taken and will be taken in the future extension to retain the character and wonderful atmosphere that is so evident today.
The Bear and Ragged Staff makes the most of Special Days like Mothers Day, Fathers Day and Valentines, so look on their website for what is coming up. Also look out for his Unique Game Dinners, as one thing is certain, Mark Greenwood won’t disappoint!
Review by Sue and Colin Rosser |
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