Review on The Nag's Head
The Nag's Head nestles in the picturesque hamlet of Haughton in Cheshire, the fifth offspring from the select group of pubs by Ribble Valley Inns, founded by Michelin-starred chef of Northcote Nigel Haworth and wine expert Craig Bancroft. With its roots dating back to 1629, the Grade II listed half timbered building has been lovingly and sympathetically updated, whilst retaining Victorian tiled floors and the original 17th century beams.
Saddle seats are set against the cosy bar that still serves the local denizens as a genteel watering hole, there's stirrup light fittings and walls adorned with pictures of their trusted food producers. A stunning conservatory style dining room made from green oak and glass structures integrates a contemporary design within the traditional aspect of the pub, featuring huge wooden beams and furnishings in soft colours, tweeds and checks. During winter months guests can cosy up in front of one of their four open log fires, while in summer there is a delightful outside space for al fresco dining, complete with their own bowling green and kitchen garden. Epitomising everything a country pub should be, not only is it dog friendly, but you can also enjoy a canter to the Nag's Head as there are horse bays where you can tether your horse.
The focus is squarely on high quality ingredients and seasonality, championing local supplies for traditional dishes with a contemporary influence. Amongst the starters there's rare breed sticky ribs with devilled black peas or juniper cured hot house smoked salmon, crispy hen's egg and watercress salad. Equally inviting main courses follow with Nigel Haworth's classic Lancashire hotpot with local lamb, braised English onions, potato and pickled red cabbage or baked east coast cod, Lancashire cheese crumb, butternut squash and sage pearl barley risotto. Desserts offer temptation with traditional English pancakes with chocolate and hazelnut or lemon and sugar, served with ice cream or whipped cream or there's regional cheeses with bread, biscuits, local butter, celery and fig chutney.
To accompany the food, there's a cracking wine list courtesy of Craig Bancroft alongside Master of Wines Nick Adams and Northcote's Head sommelier Adam Pawlowski, together with an excellent selection of local cask ales.
Cuisine
Gastro pub / Modern British
Chef
Mark Stubbert
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 through until
Dinner: 9.00pm (9.30pm Fri & Sat, 8.00pm Sun)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card