Situated in the idyllic village of Lighthorne, The Antelope offers the fine gastronomy of an inner-city restaurant, with the charm, warmth and cosiness of a traditional English village pub.
As a relaxed prelude to our meal, we soaked up the laid-back atmosphere of the intimate bar area with a crackling log fire and cosy chairs, before settling in the restaurant to peruse the menu. Comprising both Western and Eastern flavours with a healthy selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, the menu truly spoiled us for choice. To start, the chicken yakitori kebabs were packed with Asian sweetness and tang, accompanied by fresh, crisp slaw. My partner opted for crispy breaded whitebait with tartare sauce, and we both eagerly awaited our mains.
I was unable to resist the classic 8oz beefburger, which towered high with extra bacon and melted mature Cheddar cheese. My partner’s more rustic choice of pheasant breast was cooked to perfection and accompanied by pheasant in blankets, fondant potatoes and a delicious root vegetable ragú. We topped off our meal with homemade classics of sticky toffee pudding and baked cheesecake. For friendly, prompt and overall exceptional service, The Antelope is the perfect place to dine for both lunch and dinner, and the Sunday lunch is a firm favourite for both locals and those from further afield.