Chef Allan of Gusto Deli runs the recently opened Taste restaurant at The Old Shepherd and can often be found preparing dishes in between serving customers at the Deli.
We put Taste to the test…
The Old Shep has always been a no frills pub. Lately though it has been leading a double life..remaining a social centre for those who enjoy a bevy, a game of pool and a chat about the racing, but on weekends subtlely part-transforming into a simple restaurant, Taste, serving evening meals to discerning diners on Friday and Saturday as well as Sunday lunch. The pool table is replaced by six country style tables and wheelback chairs.
The dishes on the menu do have a few frills. Expect garnishes, flourishes and special ingredients. Chef Allan is about perfection. Starter Filo Wrapped Goats Cheese on a beetroot and tomato salad comes with contrasting crunchy home-made red onion marmalade (pic below) . The portion is generous and makes a great summer lunch option too (Thurs-Sat). Wild Mushroom Risotto as a main course is spot-on in texture, made in the Italian way – creamy yet with a bite, with truffle oil enhancing the flavour.
The Sunday roast beef is one of the best cuts available – rib of beef, slowly cooked to retain the juices, then rested and just pink when sliced but not too bloody. All served with a pot of home-made horseradish plus extra gravy in a boat – not drowning the dinner. Roasters are that rare combination of crunchy outside and fluffy in, veg cooked al dente. As for desserts, all are home-made and utterly delicious (it’s worth dropping in for pudding and coffee). We settled for Raspberry Creme Brulee and Chocolate Tart with Baileys, served with fresh fruit and raspberry coulis. A post-meal walk on the Common is recommended.
Sadly we can’t comment on the gourmet Aberdeen Angus burgers as they’d sold out! One for next time.
The Old Shepherd, Chorleywood Bottom, WD3 5JH
01923 284093 Lunches Thurs – Sat 12-2.30pm A La Carte Fri and Sat evening Sunday Roasts 12-5pm
View a typical menu on www.theoldshepherd.com
