You’d never know The Angel was there, hidden away just off the main drag in Burford, if it wasn’t for the constant stream of customers heading that way, far from the madding crowds and tourists.
The Angel in Burford has been in business for 14 years now, sister pub to The Fox in Barrington, and obviously much loved judging by the jolly clientele all tucking into their lunches with glee, framed by the AA rosette proudly up on the wall.
Quintessentially Cotswolds, the historic hostelry was bustling even on a weekday lunchtime, lucky then that we’d reserved a table in one of the sunlit bay windows at he front, the padded window seats providing a tempting spot.
Easy to imagine yourself whiling away the hours there if it wasn’t for the incessant tummy rumbling heralding the need to order soon, the garlic baked naan bread then with baba ghonoush, dukkha and mint dressing (£10) and some of the tiny cream cheese stuffed peppers (£7) to stave off the hunger.
Easy to nibble at and chat over rather than starters per se, the naan easy to rip off in chunks and dip into the rich Middle-Eastern dip.
And while the rest of the general menu was just as appealing, such as the shortcrust pie of the day with hand cut chips, seasonal greens and red wine jus (£22), the specials board also did the talking, lots of fresh fish and steaks for the taking.
Take the sweet potato and feta tart with a parmesan and tomato salad for just £9, the perfect slice on the plate, sweet with veg balanced by the sharper cheese.
But the pie was masterful to behold (see main pic), the clear winner, the indulgent pastry housing the succulent meat within, nestled on a bed of seasonal veg and deep, rich gravy, a side of crispy, chunky chips to soak up the gravy.
Which still left room for the rhubarb creme brûlée with a biscotti (£9) and the lemon and elderflower cheesecake with blueberry compote with meringue (£9) of course.
Coffee to finish, the sun still out as we emerged back into central Burford, and while there are lots of new kids on the block, sometimes the classics are the best. Tempting then to stay put, book a room and let the spoiling continue.
The Angel in Burford is at 14 Witney Street, Burford, OX18 4SN
