If you saw the featured image you may have thought that I was at the Red House but I wasn’t, I was at the opening of the pub The Castle in Donnington which has just been taken over by the people who own and run The Red House in Marsh Benham. Thank goodness as at least the food will be great and I love the Red House not least because they support West Berkshire Mencap. However this is much more than the food, the place looks great, stylish, light and trendy but welcoming as are the staff. This is a place that wants to please but also takes challenges.
I totally love the small plates option which weren’t that small but totally delicious, items such as whitebait, smoked mackerel pate, pork and fennel meatballs and much more. You need to go to indulge and it may make a few visits. It is a great version of English Tapas, perfect for long leisurable lunches with friends, some of my favourite food (tapas, not friends otherwise you run out of friends). This is the sort of place that you pop into and find yourself there chatting, bantering with staff (Neil!) and friends and realise that you have just had a great day creating memories.
Loving the decor, bright, sophisticated with lots of marble and pale wood, even the toilets were marble and light wood
An example of some of the exciting starters or small plates being shown to the waiting staff, good move.
Tempura tender stem broccoli
Mini fish and chips, how cute is that
Mackerel pate which was so tempting, I had it on my next visit and it was delicious, chunky like home made, and a great taste
Chicken liver mousse, really smooth and a decent portion of cornichons
Mini chorizo in red wine, nice combination
Big fat juicy prawns and not too much lettuce, a good tang to the sauce
The classic Red House steak and kidney suet pudding with horseradish and friend cabbage. Perfection
Great whitebait, huge, I think one was a shark
There was a wide selection of puddings but if you want to know then you will have to go, you wont regret it.
My view throughout the meal!
Oh and they also do the most amazing breakfasts from 7.30, anything you could want from eggs Benedict, full English and avocado on toast and much more, loads of parking and disabled accessible.