The Druid Inn is a beautiful tavern, which combines traditional country character with contemporary cuisine. Situated in the historic village of Birchover, the pub brings a touch of modernity to a countryside filled with rock carvings, stone circles and rocky tors.
The kitchen is overseen by a chef with a background in fine dining, though The Druid Inn’s menu is crafted to suit the more relaxed setting. A typical three-course dinner might begin with scallops dusted in ham crust and Parmesan, served beside smoked tomato and basil. To follow, the chef’s signature Three Little Pigs comprises pig’s cheek, belly pork, and pork fi llet wrapped in serrano ham and served with black pudding crumb, smoked apple, deep-fried sage and pig-bone gravy. The desserts are exquisite, so try the chocolate and salted caramel tart, or the Paris Brest – a choux pastry ring filled with toffee cream and served with bitter chocolate pouring sauce. Monthly tasting nights give diners the chance to experience a fine dining menu.
To drink, the Villa Wolf Riesling dry is the perfect option to complement fish or pork dishes. The pub also boasts a fantastic bar with a phenomenal choice of ale from across the country, including offerings from Abbeydale Ales, Oakham Ales and the Hawkshead and Sarah Hughes breweries. The selection is chosen to complement the food, so it’s no surprise the pub was named Country Pub of the Year for 2015 by CAMRA.