The Golden Boar Inn, Freckenham

And to pick up on the previous point, I doubt that any restaurant, anywhere, would take an advance block booking for 25 people without securing a deposit or payment in advance. This has nothing to do with it being bikers and everything to do with sound commercial practice.

31 Mar 2010 13:10

The Golden Boar Inn, Freckenham

Having escaped from central London ten years ago the only thing we've missed is top class dining. The Golden Boar ticks this box and then some. This venue offers fabulous food, fabulous service and a fine dining atmosphere that is simply unrivalled in the area. (And Lord knows we've tried 'em all). My notoriously difficult to please (feed) partner all but licked his plate clean after devouring a particularly gorgeous fondant chocolate dessert - devastating the rest of us who rely on him refusing to eat what he's ordered so we can have more! As for the rest of the meal, the belly pork starter while visually 'minimalist' was satisfyingly flavoursome - and the dressed crab, simply divine. From the entrees, John Dory with baby squid was a wonderfully complex dish, complemented by a fantastic salt cod mash that I could have eaten happily on its own. Mr Picky had a beautifully cooked rib eye steak and from what I managed to steal from the other two in our party, the lamb rump and sea bass dishes were equally delicious and well presented. The head waiter (Luke) was attentive without being obsequious, knowledgeable about the food (and accompanying wine choices) and clearly very adept at managing a very busy service - the restaurant was packed on the night we were there. For a less formal eating experience, the bar is friendly, clean and very comfortable (armchairs and sofas) and the bar menu wide ranging and very tempting. The Golden Boar even has takeaway fish and chips (and it's not every day you get these cooked by a top-notch London chef). Having said that, there's not a whiff or hint of the deep fat fryer - both menus are built around fresh, locally sourced meat, fish and vegetables. I would recommend the Golden Boar for family meals, celebrations, business lunches/dinners and any other social event where good food and a great atmosphere are an imperative. It's not cheap but for quality and service, it's incredibly good value. Go there now. You won't be disappointed.

31 Mar 2010 13:03