Friday, 8 February 2013

The Six Bells

Friday Lunch date is back! After being interrupted by Christmas, New Year, school holidays and business trips, my husband and I have resumed our Friday lunch dates. Our initial plans were thwarted when we went to a highly recommended pub without a reservation...It was obviously good as it was packed! Off for a stroll to find Plan B! We came across The Six Bells...my husband had been there and shared a pint or two of real ale with a friend so we thought we would try out the food. It's a cute old pub, built in 1560, lots of atmosphere, old beams and roaring fires but on a chilly grey day was still very light and airy. Lots of cosy areas tucked away so has a nice intimate feel to it.

The Six Bells, Thame

The menu had a great selection, from nibbles to starters, sharing platters, light meals and more substantial mains. Meals are prepared using locally sourced, seasonal produce. My husband and I are quite partial to a nice home made pate so we shared the Chicken Liver Pate with pear compote and toasted sourdough to start.  The pate was delicious and smooth, the pear compote a perfect companion and it came with just the right amount of bread!

Chicken Liver Pate

A selection of 'Small meals' was offered and as we didn't want a big feast we both chose the small serve of Honey Dew battered cod fillet with triple cooked chips, home made tartare sauce and minted pea puree (mushy peas). I'd hate to see the large size as the small size was fairly large...I couldn't finish mine! Good rendition of Fish and Chips. It seems we are on a quest to find the best Fish and Chips in the country!

Fish and Chips

My husband was impressed with the care taken of the 'well kept' ales on offer and the information provided! He sampled a few and confirmed that they were indeed 'well kept'! I can confirm my lime and soda was refreshing! Someone has to drive!

The Ale Trail

Was a lovely place to sit and spend some time together after a busy few months. Nice atmosphere with friendly staff, we'll have to head back in the summer as they have a beautiful decked garden area. Family friendly, you can even take your dog!

Dining Room

I'm sure you can tell how good a place is by the cleanliness of it's bathrooms...these were spotless and I love the fact that the porcelain in the bathrooms comes from Thomas Crapper, the man who gave us flush toilets and possibly adding the word 'crap' to our vocabulary!

Thomas Crapper


The Six Bells
44 Lower Hight Street
Thame
Oxfordshire
OX9 2AD
Phone: 01844212088
http://sixbellsthame.co.uk/

2 comments:

  1. I laughed too, at the Thomas Crapper porcelain...delightful. Love the old style English pubs.
    But the chalked info. re the ales served for only three days after the cask is opened....read like a wine cellar.....our bottles of wine for tasting have to be replaced every few days too....if oxygenated the wine goes off! Their ale must be lovingly cared for.
    MIL xx

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  2. Ye Olde English pubs are fabulous...especially at the moment with the roaring logs fires to keep us warm! The ales are kept with tender loving care for sure...very 'Well kept' according to my expert husband!

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