Review on The Pointer
Dating back to the 1700's, The Pointer in the idyllic village of Brill in Buckinghamshire has accumulated a plethora of awards since it was bought from Greene King by David and Fiona Howden. Named Michelin's pub of the year in 2018 and awarded the 36th spot in the UK's top 50 Gastropubs, it's at the hub of the village with its bar that still serves as a local watering hole, a sought after restaurant and also incorporating a butcher's and deli shop.
The restaurant occupies a sympathetically restored barn at the back of the pub with an open kitchen and lovely views over the garden, where you can dine al fresco in summer months. The beamed ceiling is garlanded with bare twigs and there's exposed rough cast stone walls decorated with simple modern prints of farmyard animals.
The kitchen takes 'farm to fork' to a new level with beef and pork coming from their own 250 acre farm just a mile down the road, and seasonal produce either grown themselves or sourced from local markets or suppliers. Leading the kitchen is respected chef James Graham who joined The Pointer in July 2017 from Cowley Manor and he conjures up a crowd-pleasing menu. Amongst the starters look for wood pigeon breast, boudin noir, pickled walnut purée, cackle been egg and artichokes or confit organic salmon, pearl barley and nasturtium pesto. Main courses move into the realm of slow roast Pointer Farm middle white suckling pig, parsnips, kale, haricot beans, apple and scrumpy sauce or from the sea king oysters, chanterelles, paris browns, pea shoots and pan fried Dorset char. Desserts are delicious creations witness, chocolate and amaretto delice paired with roasted almond ice cream or caramel and hazelnut parfait, chocolate and nougat.
Should you want to stay over and explore this lovely area further, there's four delightful rooms decorated by Fiona Howden with a luxurious country-chic vibe, located opposite The Pointer in a beautifully refurbished red brick cottage.
The Pointer is also featured in: Michelin Guide, AA Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Gastro pub / British
Chef
James Graham
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.30pm Tue-Sat (12.00 - 3.00pm Sun)
Dinner: 6.30 - 8.30pm Tue-Thu (6.30 - 9.30pm Fri & Sat) (5.30 - 8.00pm Sun)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express