This is a stunning pub inside, something you wouldnt guess as you drive into the car park as there is a lot of building work going on putting down decking to go with the marquee. James, the chef/owner is putting in a lot of outdoor equipment which will make outdoors eating fantastic. In fact as I am here PLEASE WILL SOMEONE GET ME A PIZZA OVEN AND I WILL FEED YOU FOR EVER!!!! Sorry, back to the Halfway. This is a destination pub, situated on the A4 between Hungerford and Newbury and to be a destination pub you need good food. Luckily this pub fits the bill perfectly. The decor is really good, the landlady is also an interior designer and it shows, everywhere you look there are amazing things, funny things, fascinating and ancient things but best of all are the number of cook books. I could curl up on the sofa and stay there for weeks although I am not sure how happy the owners would to find that I had moved in even though I am very small and self contained, I really dont need any entertaining.
These photos show the inside and how beautifully it has been decorated, hanging over the second table are two pairs of riding boots and two saddles amongst other things. Fantastic.
This is a really interesting starter of crispy asparagus, blanched then coated in penko breadcrumbs and quickly fried and served with ribbons of parma ham and hollandaise on a bed of mixed leaves and watercress. The asparagus was crunchy but still sweet and juicy inside, the parma ham was hidden around the plate and the hollandaise sauce was delicious and fun to dip the other ingredients into.
Whilst this may look just like any old steak and chips it was really good and well above average. The 28 day aged rib eye steak was well charred (maillard effect?) yet still medium rare and juicy inside with a magnificent flavour. The tomatoes and mushrooms were big, plump and juicy with a drizzle of balsamic which mixed really well as the vegetables got chopped out and all the juices mixed to form a new flavour. The chips were skin on thin chips, crisp and very moreish and the coleslaw was not too sweet, it had a tang that married well with the steak.
There is the steak opened up smiling at me and asking me to eat it – I obliged for the steaks sake because I am a steak pleaser not just a people pleaser. There was plenty of tap water with ice, the service was excellent, the music was lovely – old jazz playing softly in the background.
On a practical level they have wifi, will have outdoor seating and welcome dogs in the bar area. I would definitely recommend this pub, currently number one on Trip Advisor locally and well deserved. They also serve Rickety Bridge wine. I am really looking forward to returning when the outside has been finished and the new equipment has arrived including a pizza oven, barbecue and paella oven. What fun!
I didn’t pay for my meal.