The Mole and the Chicken

I have heard rave reviews about The Mole and the Chicken country pub and restaurant from friends. It's located right in the middle of Midsomer Murders territory in Buckinghamshire near the Oxfordshire border and a short ten minute drive from home! Prince William has even popped in for a quick lunch with Kate when they were nearby before they had little George. I thought if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for us. My husband and I went for lunch on my birthday and were very happy we did!

It's such a cute old pub built in 1831, complete with low beams, roaring wood fires and gorgeous views over rolling countryside.

We had a lovely view of fields full of autumn colour and a friendly looking horse from our cosy table.

Nice squishy, leather sofas to have a drink and relax in before lunch.

The restaurant is light and airy with lots of cosy nooks so perfect for everyone!

I spied the set lunch on the blackboard when we arrived and was sold when I saw the mussels in a creamy herb broth. I'm a sucker for seafood and though the restaurant sources most ingredients locally, being far from the ocean, the mussels were obviously not local but were fresh, plump and very delicious. The portion size was so large I even shared with my husband!

I chose the Pork Belly Thai Curry with Jasmine Rice from the set lunch menu as my main, curious as I would not usually put pork belly and thai curry together. It was divine, rich and smooth, crunchy nuts adding texture, earthiness from the mushrooms and the pork belly melted away. I know the pork was local, we drove by the farm, Crendon Manor where they source it on the way to lunch!

My husband had the Breaded Pork Belly with Black Pudding Hash, roasted Carrot, Greens and Cider Jus

which was fabulous!

We had a lovely, relaxed long lunch in a picturesque setting. I was happy to sip a glass or two of Prosecco, birthdays and bubbles are the perfect match. My kiwi husband was happy to have a locally brewed Vale real ale with his meal. When our bill came, the waitress handed me a key and explained, as it was my birthday, take the key and open the corresponding numbered drawer at the front door and I would find a little birthday gift from The Mole and the Chicken. How fun! I discovered a lovely bag of hand made fudge in my surprise drawer, a very sweet end to a marvellous lunch.

The stunning views over the countryside from the outdoor area, will have to come back next summer, sit outside and soak it up, I have heard the Thai Duck salad is incredible!


Set Lunch menu, 2 courses £14.95, 3 courses £18.95, changes daily

Impressive A la Carte menu, wine list and a good selection of real ales on tap.

The Mole and the Chicken
Easington, near Long Crendon, HP18 9EY
Phone: 01844 208387
Website: The Mole and the Chicken