< return to search results

Stanford Dingley
The Old Boot Inn

Widely regarded as the ‘jewel in the crown of Berkshire’, the tiny village of Stanford Dingley is home to The Old Boot Inn, an extraordinarily pretty little pub in a breathtakingly beautiful part of the country.

Take full advantage of the idyllic location and enjoy a countryside stroll before making your way to the inn – you’ll be met by owner John Hayley, who has been serving real ales, fine wines and fresh food for the last 15 years. Two traditional fireplaces warm the restaurant, creating a cosy home-away-from-home where you can sit back and enjoy some really fabulous food.

The restaurant has recently seen the appointment of award-winning chef Rody Warot (chef profile page 63); with his culinary expertise and flair, the menus burst with creative, inspirational dishes. Rody likes to describe his style of cooking as ‘bistronomie’ – gastronomy without the fuss. Challenging the common misconception that simple dishes require less skill and attention to detail, Rody prepares perfectly executed dishes with expertly balanced flavours. Choose from tempting appetisers like beautifully fresh oysters from Guernsey served on ice with shallot red wine vinegar, terrine of duck foie gras with date chutney, smoked salmon blinis with tangy citrus horseradish and chive creme fraiche, roast figs wrapped in Parma ham with spicy apple chutney, and delicate grilled sardines served with warm new potatoes and black olive salad. If you want to begin your culinary adventure with something really special, try Rody’s special paté. Rody uses an authentic recipe from Normandy (his birthplace) to create this delicious treat, which is best enjoyed spread liberally over toasted brioche.

For the main course, try succulent lamb cutlet with chicken mousse, stuffed pheasant from the Yattendon Estate with haggis and duxelles, red deer wrapped in Parma ham with creamy wild mushroom risotto and red berries with veal jus, or linguine with tiger prawns, smoked salmon and mussels in a creamy white wine sauce. Desserts are suitably indulgent, and will entice even those who claim not to be in possession of a sweet tooth – poached pears in cardamom syrup with warm chocolate sauce, sticky toffee pudding, creme brulée, bread and butter pudding, and chocolate cake with creme anglaise are just a handful of the delicacies on offer. The baked orange and chocolate cheesecake with Cointreau is divine, as is the raspberry parfait on a sable base – or if you prefer, order a selection of local cheeses. Be sure to keep an eye on the specials board, which always showcases the very best seasonal produce available.

If you’re looking for the perfect pit-stop for a quick lunch or dinner you’re in luck – the bar menu offers a whole host of delicious dishes – just try and resist juicy rib-eye steak with sauce au poivre and chips, stir-fried squid with spicy Szechaun sauce and Chinese noodles, moules marinieres, beef bourguignon and foie gras, as well as hearty pies, soups and baguettes. All dishes are reasonably priced, with main meals starting at £8.95. In winter, you can curl up beside one of the fires with a glass of mulled wine; and if you love The Old Boot Inn as much as we do, you can linger as long as you like – The Old Boot Inn now boasts bed and breakfast facilities, so you can rest your head on some of the softest pillows in Berkshire for just £50 a night.

< return to search results