Hey Sweeties,
Last week (Wednesday 20th February) I was invited to attend the opening night of the newly refurbished St George & Dragon pub* in Wargrave, Reading. I had never visited the pub previously so I can’t comment on how it looked before the refurbishment, but it was clear upon arrival that the place had been significantly invested in.
Located conveniently on the High street in Wargrave, the St George & Dragon is positioned right next to the River Thames and although we couldn’t make use of it on the night, it was obvious that the outside decking area will become a real hub of activity once we move into the spring and summer months.
Inside, the feel is warm, contemporary and stylish in its aesthetic with a large bar area positioned centrally, and plenty of space for diners. There has clearly been a lot of thought that has gone into the refurbishment so that it is warm and cosy in autumn and winter, and light and open during the warmer months.
Entering the St George & Dragon, we were warmly greeted and briefly explained to about the refurbishment. To the left of the bar was a gin station that was going to be a clear attraction on the night by guests. Drinks in hand, we took a seat on some nearby sofas and awaited the arrival of some appetisers.
Dining at the St George & Dragon
Appetizers devoured, we were encouraged to choose a table for the next part of the evening. Shortly after we were seated, we were presented with menus and I was delighted to see that the St George & Dragon had a dedicated vegan menu. As you all know, even though I have explored veganism in the past, my diet is about 60% plant-based (I basically allow for cheese and sweet treats), so for me it’s a real testament to a place that caters for different dietary requirements well. Anyway, I digress.
Both the main and vegan menus make the most of fresh seasonal produce and all four of us had several tempting options to consider. The main menu had a lot to offer diners and I can’t foresee anyone not finding something that wouldn’t appeal, whatever mood they were in.
As a vegetarian, I really appreciated having not just more than one option to choose from (because that is so often the case), but options that were a bit different and demonstrates the chefs behind the menus actually enjoy creating a variety of food. I have lost count of the places I have been excited to eat at with friends and family only to have maybe a choice of one or two things and it’s always the most boring of meals. Tomato pasta sound familiar?
Starters
For my starter, I had the roasted lentil falafel from the vegan menu and it was super yummy. All the starters arrived really well portioned and I think if you were looking for a lighter meal with dessert this would be perfectly doable.
My husband’s only slightly negative comment about his starter (the lamb Koftas) was that three Koftas would have been preferred instead of being given just two.
Main Courses
Back: Diablo pizza
Back: Steak
For the main, I battled between choosing the butternut squash and sweet potato tart, and the battered halloumi but eventually settled on the latter. I really miss fish and chips but I think battered halloumi is a great alternative and I would definitely recommend.
Desserts
I am not surprised that two of the party went for the melting chocolate and peanut bomb; it sounds interesting on paper, arrives with a touch of theater as our waitress poured the hot salted caramel sauce over it to melt the bomb, and it tasted absolutely divine (because I was definitely going to have a taste!).
Again I battled with choices but the chocolate and raspberry pudding proved too good to miss on this occasion. In addition to dessert, we encouraged my friend to also order the candyfloss martini because… well, intrigue to be honest.
Summary
Overall, we had a fantastic evening and left the St George & Dragon, Wargrave, extremely full but with promises that we would be returning again soon to make use of the outdoor decked area… and have another order of the melting chocolate and peanut bomb!
A big thank you to the St George & Dragon in Wargrave for inviting us. Why not try it out for yourself? Book now.
Until next time x
*Premium Country Pubs invited me to the press evening for the relaunch of the St George & Dragon in exchange for a review. All opinions are honest and my own.
