Tucked away in the middle of a working farm, a genuine treat awaits at Johnson’s of Old Hurst. Driving onto the farm takes you past the farm animals and into the car park, but the biggest surprise is walking through the large double doors of the restaurant to find, in striking contrast to the farm outside, a beautiful and tastefully decorated interior. Grand and welcoming, there is an unmistakable air of quality to this venue – we knew our meal was going to be special.
After settling at our table, I decided to start with deep-fried Brie, which was covered in a delightfully crisp and light batter that gave a satisfying crunch. The Brie was gooey and paired perfectly with the homemade cranberry sauce. My wife’s game terrine was full of flavour and perfectly seasoned, and was complemented by a rich chutney.
After these sensational starters, we were well prepped for our mains. Our helpful waiter explained that meat dishes are sourced directly from the farm outside, so I plumped for a cut of venison. Beautifully presented and cooked to medium-rare perfection, the venison was accompanied by rich gravy that balanced nicely with the gamey flavour of the meat, as well as delectably creamy Dauphinoise potatoes. My wife opted for fillet steak, which was served alongside a generous portion of hand-cut chips. After such an indulgent meal, we opted to share a sticky toffee pudding, and were delighted with this generously portioned show-stopper.
We left eager for our return to this true hidden gem. For the highest quality food, impeccable service and an experience you won’t forget, a visit is a must. Don’t miss a trip to the farm shop to take some of the fantastic produce home with you, and make sure to take some time to see the animals – especially the resident crocodiles.
Steak
0.5 miles
