The Chequers in Berrick Salome, near Wallingford, has reopened following a thorough refurbishment, with a new team in place including head chef Danny Thomas, who aims to put the 17th century village pub back on the culinary map.
Taken on by Hannah Dickson‘s independent Copper Pubs group, its cosy bar area and stunning dining room have been brought back to life, while showcasing its historic vaulted ceilings, exposed timber beams and trusses.
New head chef, Danny Thomas aims to re-establish The Chequers’ former reputation for excellent food and drink with his new modern British à la carte menus showcasing seasonal, locally sourced produce.
Think beef short rib crumpet with crispy onions and pickled shallots, crab linguine with a tomato and butter crab sauce, seared scallops with lobster puree and a black pudding crumb, lamb rump with roasted harissa courgettes and a pea puree, and a chocolate and orange mousse with a berry compote, and you’ll begin to get a measure of Danny’s culinary bent.
Danny has worked under Gordon Ramsay at Mayfair’s Michelin-starred restaurant Maze Grill, Antony Worrall-Thompson at The Greyhound in Henley-on-Thames before heading to Bristol to work as head chef at Bristol’s’ Marriot Hotel for 10 years.
He describes his style of cooking as smart, elevated yet accessible with pub classics, pie of the day and fish and chips, daily line-caught, fresh fish running alongside his more complex dishes. (review to follow)
Hannah Dickson says: “We’re really excited to be adding The Chequers to our portfolio of village pubs. It’s a stunning venue with so much to offer both the local community and visitors to the area. We’ll work hard to maintain The Chequers‘ long-established reputation as a destination foodie pub and village hub where you can drink and dine in style.”
Other village pubs in the Copper Pubs collection include The White Horse at Kings Sutton, The Crown at Benson, and The Red Lion at Ilmington. Each pub in the collection has been carefully selected for its idyllic village location, original features and unspoilt rural surroundings.
The Chequers in Berrick Salome, near Watlington and five miles from Wallingford, is on the edge of the Chiltern Hills and accommodates 90 diners with further seating for 100 in the huge, lawned beer garden, complete with tables, parasols and a raised terrace.
The Chequers, Berrick Salome, Wallingford, OX10 6JN https://www.chequersberricksalome.co.uk
