Review of The Berkeley Arms Pub Restaurant, Wymondham, near Oakham

Last Friday, I joined four friends for 'Lunch for Even Less' at the award winning Berkeley Arms Pub Restaurant in the pretty village of Wymondham, just ten minute drive from Oakham and a short walk from Wymondham Windmill & Tea Rooms.

We received a very warm and friendly welcome from the staff who took our drinks orders straight away and gave us the Lunch for Even Less and a la carte menu's to look at.

I was both surprised and pleased to see so many bar and waiting staff – there were four, or five members of staff in attendance, which in these days of austerity is quite rare.  Recently, I have found that many restaurants, pubs and cafes operate with the minimum staff possible; I presume in an effort to keep overheads low, but with the double edged sword of impacting service and ultimately customer loyalty.

The best way to describe the interior of the Berkeley Arms is homely, cosy, comfortable and well thought out. To the left of a lovely (and highly polished) bar area is an open fire surrounded by winged chairs, a comfortable leather sofa and a low coffee table filled with magazines, newspapers and at the time of writing this, a vase of fresh daffodils.

The dining area is very much in keeping with the age of the building (16th century), but chunky chairs, stripped beams, pretty cushions and light oak tables give it a contemporary feel.  In amongst the furniture, fixtures and fittings is a delightful array of table lamps, prints and knick knacks. 

Outside to the front of the beautiful brick building there is a small terrace with benches and tables; to the rear there is a garden area with more seating available.

When we arrived at midday there were already quite a few people in the bar area who were joined by a steady flow of customers.  By the time we started eating our meals, every table was occupied, creating a lively atmosphere and suggesting that we had come to the right place for lunch.

The Food

Three of us ordered from the Lunch for Even Less menu, two from the a la carte.  Starters of Warm Goats Cheese Salad with Beetroot and Hazelnut Dressing, Whole Baked Camembert with Grape Chutney and Twice Baked Creamy Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese Soufflé more than whetted our appetite for our main courses - Roasted Breast of Chicken with Pearl Barley & Wild Mushroom Risotto, Rib Eye Steak, Onion Rings, Hand Cut Chips with a Tarragon and Peppercorn Butter and Honey Glazed Duck Breast, Sweet Potato, Bok Choy with Orange & Ginger Sauce.  Those who could manage it, rounded off with Bramley Apple & Sultana Crumble with Custard and Praline Parfait with Poached Pears. Without exception, everything was beautifully presented and very tasty.

Real Ale

Local cider and real ales are on offer including Greene King IPA, Marstons Pedigree and a variety of guest ales.

Children & Dogs!

Children are welcome if you are eating and dogs are allowed in one of the bars.

Neil & Louise Hitchen

Owners Neil & Louise Hitchen,  who met at the acclaimed Hambleton Hall, took over the Berkeley Arms in 2010 and as well as creating a respected and much talked about dining venue have won a Bib Gourmand in the 2012 Great Britain & Ireland Michelin Guide and Best Eating Experience at the Melton Business Awards 2011.

Highly recommended.