The Royal Oak, Long Whatton

Date night occurs once a month. We take it in turns to surprise the other – it could be a takeaway, a trip to the cinema or a meal out. Obviously you cross your fingers and hope for a meal out when its not your turn. In March my numbers came up!

Off we went in the car, driving towards Loughborough with me listing restaurants off and adding more as we passed by. Out of Loughborough we went and out past Hathern – turns out we were going to recently Michelin recommended and 4 AA Rosette The Royal Oak in Long Whatton.

This place is definitely not fine dining, its noisy and its a pub. Accept that and you will have a fantastic time. Its amazing food but in a relaxed environment. The first thing that hit me on the menu was the ‘Our suppliers’ section – listing right down to the farms, where they source their meat, fish, eggs, cheese and so forth from. It was a great feeling knowing that the meat we ate that night came from farms within a 20 mile radius of where we sat.

To start I had a soft poached egg and asparagus dippers and it was delicious. Such a simple idea but really tasty. The hubby had a beautiful smoked duck salad with pomegranate seeds. Neither of us felt that the breaded deep fried brie added anything to the dish although it was tasty.

Salad of smoked duck breast, deep fried breaded brie and chicory leaves, with an orange and pomegranate reduction £7.50

Crispy breaded soft boiled egg, with char grilled asparagus soldiers, Dijon dressing (v) £5.75

For mains, we both opted for something from the more expensive ‘mains’ section although there is a slightly cheaper ‘pub classic mains’ section too. We both agree that my main was one of the best we’ve tried in a long time – in fact it gave many more expensive restaurants a run for their money in my mind as it was just mind blowing. The char grilled pork loin was cooked to perfection, slightly pink in the centre and meltingly tender. The pulled pork patty was ingenious – crispy on the outside and moist in the middle. All in all, a full 10/10 from both of us!

10oz 21 day matured sirloin steak, topped with Café de Paris butter and served with hand cut chunky chips & a rocket and pecorino salad £17.95

Pork fillet chargrilled in smoked paprika, served with a pulled pork and saffron croquette, crackling crumb, butterbean and chorizo mash and a red wine, honey and chilli reduction £14.95

Dave had Steak (surprise surprise) and it was also lovely, tender and well cooked. Cafe de Paris sauce added excitement. We shared a side of vegetables which were sugar snap peas and petit pois in minted butter, roasted mediterranean veg and carrots roasted in honey and fennel.

Overall, we had a fantastic night at The Royal Oak. Great food and a lovely atmosphere. We will most definitely be back!