A hidden gem tucked away in the tiny village of Sparsholt, this namesake pub offers the best of fine dining in a picturesque setting.
Following the refurbishment of The Star Inn, near Wantage, WSH Restaurants have rebranded the venue as The Sparsholt in an attempt to shine a spotlight on the village,
The Uffington White Horse and the historic Ridgeway are just a stone’s throw away making The Sparsholt a great place to dine after exploring the area.
Taken over by WSH Restaurants in 2022, The Star Inn had gained renown for its superb Sunday lunches, and a delicious seasonal la carte menu, served alongside pub classics such as steaks and pies.
Following the change, The Sparsholt has forged a signature style of cookery with a menu devised by Luke Sutton using local produce for the restaurant with rooms.
Out the back, there is a patio terrace where you can enjoy a drink from the impressive wine and cocktail list.
There is also a tempting bar snack choice with options such as cheddar and jalapeno croquettes, pork skin puffs and Padron peppers.
The croquettes were ideal as an appetizer providing a satisfying and addictive bite before the main event.
Once sat down our knowledgeable and friendly waiter brought over some ale bread with whipped butter as we delved into the menu.
To start we opted for the white crab sourdough crumpet and lamb belly.
The crab was delicate and paired with a rich brown crab rarebit, complemented by the tangy crunch of pickled fennel.
The lamb belly was succulent, accompanied by sweet peas, fresh spring onion, and a vibrant mint salsa that added a refreshing twist.
For my main, I opted for the roasted monkfish which had a sweet flavour and dense texture to it
The monkfish's firm texture complements the creamy beans, while the broccoli adds freshness.
The basil and sunflower seed sauce brings a nutty, herby richness, tying all elements together for a balanced, elegant meal.
My partner went for the Winchester Cheddar and Onion Tart offering a delightful mix of rich, sharp cheddar and sweet caramelized onions in a buttery, flaky crust.
It's a comforting, savoury dish and a perfect veggie option.
Make sure you leave room for dessert as these were arguably the highlight of the evening.
I love bananas in a dessert so the banana parfait was a perfect choice for me
Served alongside caramelised banana and chocolate sorbet, it was a delightful mix of creamy, crunchy, and rich flavours.
Also notable inclusions on the dessert list are the rosemary panna cotta with blackberries, blackcurrant sorbet and hobnob as well as the roasted peach served with clotted cream ice cream, amaretti biscuit and garden thyme honey.
Overall, The Sparsholt offers high-quality dishes that are creative with an attention to detail that is extremely impressive.
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