Frilford Heath Golf Club might not spring to mind when considering where to go for Sunday lunch, especially if you don’t play golf, but we were mightily impressed with our meal there and would heartily recommend it.
Michelin bib gourmand winning chef Jamie King was a big draw for us, he of The Anchor fame, and our recent lunch there set the bar high READ ABOUT IT HERE.
But in summer Frilford Heath Golf Club really comes into its own – the calm, bright, immaculate golf greens stretching out in front of the restaurant, with plentiful al fresco seating options, framed by umbrellas, providing the perfect backdrop.
You can choose from two menus – the Sunday lunch (well priced at £19.50 for one course, £27 for two or £33 for three), or resort to a great burger, kofta, sandwich, panini or salad from the lounge menu if you don’t fancy the Full Monty.
Sat in the sun, enjoying a cold glass of rose, all was good in the world as we perused the Sunday lunch menu, three choices for each course with some interesting options amongst the classics such as the chicken shawarma.
A delicious plate of perfectly al dente asparagus framed with a bountiful hollandaise was the ideal way to start, my fellow diner enjoying the potted chicken liver pate with sourdough toast – just the right amount of clarified butter sealing it, accompanied by some cracking seared sourdough, home-pickled veg and a juicy red onion relish.
Then the roast beef, generous slices cooked medium rare, the roast potatoes crunchy, the carrots sweet, the cauliflower cheese wonderfully flavoursome, the Yorkshire pudding magnificent, the beans and cabbage sprightly, the gravy glossy. Couldn’t fault it really.
The leek, goats cheese and red onion marmalade tart was much more dainty, encased in a round pastry cup like a ramekin, the goats cheese not too overpowering, the custard filling well balanced, served with a chunky potato salad and a rocket salad, well suited to the sunny climes.
Appropriately, light summer puddings then followed; the Frilford mess a delight of strawberries and raspberries, cream, ice cream and meringue, and the three layered chocolate delice with tiny, moreish nuggets of honeycomb and the crunch of crumb, with coffee creme anglaise poured from a jug, was admirably executed.
And as we finished off and idly watched the putters at work, amidst the golfers and families sat around enjoying the heat, eating and drinking and discussing their game, we were utterly content.
So don’t write off Frilford Heath just because it’s a golf club. The food here stands up all on it’s own. Just make sure to book though as it’s already a very popular destination, particularly this Sunday when it’s Father’s Day. https://www.frilfordheath.co.uk
