Food file - Pub Review
The One Elm, Stratford-upon-Avon Nothing was too much trouble at the One Elm. Although the menu said that food was served until 9.30pm, when we asked if there was any chance of food at 10pm, the woman from the Elm she say yes - despite the fact that the pub was heaving on a busy Saturday night.
The menu was not over elaborate and offered a good range of mains, starters and snacks. It also had an either/or section where customers can choose from six dishes to have as a starter or a main course. Given the time and the fact we had partaken of alcohol we decided not to go for a Full Monty meal but for one of the impressive sounding deli boards. There was certainly a fab selection on offer - Items included marinated herrings, salmon, lomo, paté, pickled garlic, feta-stuffed baby peppers, crudités, taramasalata and spicy peanuts - but we went for the option of letting the Elm's staff choose the charcuterie board for us and we weren't disappointed. The food was presented on large wooden boards and was fresh, well presented and plentiful. The speed of service was also excellent and staff were attentive in checking we had everything we needed.
Other dishes on offer included potted pork hock, grape & mint jelly and crusty bread (£4.50), beef carpaccio and shaved Parmesan (£5.50), melon, cucumber, gorgonzola & walnut salad (£9) and 35-day dry-aged Aberdeen Angus rump steak, chips & peppercorn sauce (£13), pork cutlet, braised fennel and white wine sauce (£11.50) and grilled lamb and warm chickpea salad (£13). All in all, innovative offerings, excellent service and real value for money.
PubChef rating (marks out of 10) Ambience: 8 Value for money: 9 Flavour factor: 8 Overall impression: 9
