The Trout Inn is a wonderful gastro pub that can be found located in the heart of the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside. The special location of this pub, located on the banks of the River Thames, makes it a really picturesque spot to stop and grab a bite to eat. Having visited previously, we were duly excited to return to see if it had maintained its high standards; they certainly failed to be disappointed.
To begin our meal we chose to partake in an aperitif, and so I chose a glass of the Moët & Chandon Impérial Champagne, and my partner chose a Botanist gin and tonic. This particular gin comes from the Isle of Islay and is made out of 22 locally hand-forest botanicals. Served with a Fever-Tree tonic and a lime wedge, this was a real treat of a gin and tonic. As we perused the menu we enjoyed a selection of artisan rustic breads which were served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, Nocellara olives and flavoured butter.
For our first course, I opted for the soup of the day which was broccoli and stilton - a firm favourite of mine, served with artisan rustic bread and butter. My partner chose the chargrilled lamb and balsamic koftas served with lavash bread, harissa hummus and tzatziki. The koftas were a real delight, filled with flavour which was brought out wonderfully by the tzatziki.
“The special location of this pub, located on the banks of the River Thames, makes it a really picturesque spot to stop and grab a bite to eat.”
For our main courses, I chose the summery spit-roasted chicken served with lemon and garlic confit, aioli and kale and cauliflower couscous salad with pineapple, lemongrass & ginger dressing. My partner chose the 7oz 28-day-aged fillet steak with an ale-glazed shallot tart, topped with Cropwell Bishop custard, stilton and walnut crumb and twice-cooked chunky chips.
As side dishes we added the green beans tossed in walnut butter, the mashed potato and the dauphinoise potatoes. Each element was absolutely delicious and we were highly impressed once again.
For dessert, I chose the Bramley apple and blackberry shortbread crumble served with custard, and my partner went for the wonderfully indulgent warm Belgian chocolate brownie served with Bourbon vanilla ice cream.
We also chose a bottle of the full-bodied 2015, Mouton Cadet Rouge Bordeaux, France to complement our meal, this was smooth with rounded, refined tannins, complete with an attractive, fruit-filled finish.
Once again we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to The Trout Inn, and it comes highly recommended by us as a fantastic pub in the heart of Oxfordshire.
The Bill: £53 per head
