Restaurant reviews

The Catherine Wheel pub – Bibury, Cotswold

on
October 15, 2015

I love a good meal and I am known for my ultimate pleasure of looking up for the best restaurant in town, previous to my trip there. So when we decided to go to Bibury, the Catherine Wheel pub came up in my search engine. The beautiful Cotswold stone building, stable courtyard and orchard date back to the 15th Century. In 1803 the family of William Taylor lived and worked as blacksmiths in the building, shoeing horses and making cart wheels. In 1856 the building was bought by J.Hathaway, a Cooper (barrel maker) and beer retailer, and the Catherine Wheel was born. With it’s low beams, stone walls and large log fires the inn became a success. Mr Hathaway died leaving the inn to his wife, who sold it to the Nailsworth Brewery Company Ltd in 1899. Since then the inn has changed hands many times but some things remain the same – a warm welcome, good local ales and quality food made from local ingredients.

Enough history, now let’s talk food. I had a beautiful mushroom soup for starters, while my husband had a really colourful watermelon salad. This was the summer menu, so if you go now, there are two options for the cold season. You can see the care the chef has put into the dishes. I was really intrigued by this family run restaurant, down to earth, based on an English cuisine, but still the plating was really fancy and appetizing.
mushroom soup, catherine wheelDSC_2918For the main course I had the trout with pistachio coating and peas puree, because Bibury is known for its trout farm, and it was an excellent, light dish. My husband had a really delicious steak with a mint dip, salad and chips, He is a steak connoisseur and was really impressed with the quality of the meat and the cooking process.
DSC_2923DSC_2926The dessert was refreshing! A gooseberry tart, just the perfect way of ending a rich lunch. You definitely have to check the Catherine Wheel’s pub when you go to Bibury. The staff was friendly, but a bit understaffed and they had to run from table to table. The restaurant is becoming popular in the area and at busy times you might want to get a reservation. If I haven’t convinced you, then read my review about the area, it is breathtaking!
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