ms-havachat has lunch at The Rose and Olive Branch, Virginia Waters

I've driven past this quaint pub so many times, but never thought to check it out until today when a friend made a group booking for lunch.

The Rose and Olive Branch, on Callow Hill is like stepping back in time into a quintessential local pub, frequented by the same old timers, at the same time every day for years. Even the carpet oozes old-world charm!

Who knew this small, quaint local pub, on a backroad in Virginia Waters had such an incredible history?!?!?!?!?


"Once an old beer and cider house , this Inn is between 200-250 years old and stand on what used to the the Crossroads at the foot of a hill in Windsor Great Park. This hill was known then as Gallow Hill on top of which stood at Gibbet, which was seldom inhabited those days, bot over the years has been corrupted to Callow Hill.

Like all old houses, during the Civil War in the 17th century, the Royalist and Cromwellian  forces met here to sign a Treaty, upon completion of which the leader of hte Roundheads presented the elder of the Cavaliers with an Olive Branch as a symbol of peace, and received in return a Red Rose. It was from this event that this Inn derived its name and it's believed to be the only of one of this name in England.

In our sign can be seen the Roundhead presenting the Cavlier with the Olive Branch and receiving in return the Red Rose. Whilst in the background  the rival forces are signing the treaty outside the Inn at the Crossroads."

An historic story told in a simple pub sign

The pub has a reputation is for serving 'great pies' and from the looks of them coming from the kitchen, and the smiling faces on friends, we'll be back to try them! I really enjoyed my baked salmon fillet and chips (real ol' fashion, pub chips), while the BLT, mushroom and chicken filo and other meals looked and smelled delicious. Interesting to note there is a gluten free menu.

Food and Food related signage

Ol' world charm interior

We had a lovely lunch and a good chat over good, simple food.


For more information, check out their website www.theroseandolivebranch.com

ms-havachat eats locally at Eliane

There's a new cafe/restaurant in the area and everyone's taking about it, so I went with a friend a few weeks ago for a coffee. Eliane is really different. There's a Sydney-kinda feel to it which I loved.

The decor is gorgeous! Open plan. Food displayed simply in front of you (some with food covers, some with out. It's the Aussie in me, sorry. Food should be covered tho it's not always here). Orders are taken on funky iPads and sent straight thru to the kitchen. They've spared no expense on the set up. Just look at the photo's to see how creative the decor is.

There's newspapers to read while waiting for take away coffees or food; and an open plan dining area well lit by huge windows that overlook the main road. Bright, fun artwork on the walls, and to die-for light fittings!

This cute little secret nook is up behind the serving area, near the kitchen and the door that leads to the back yard .............. it's perfect for a quiet meeting or a rendezvous.

Next to the nook, there's a small retail area with 100% healthy pantry items. The day we were there the fresh fruit section was low on produce (we were there rather early in the morning)

I simply LOVED the atmosphere created outside in the little terrace. The painted fence in bright colours, the cute tables and chairs, thoughtful umbrella's on a summers day (we needed it the day we went). There's no table service at all - so you order at the counter when you first arrive, receive a wooden spoon with a number on it, tell them where you're sitting and food'n'drinks are brought to you.

The service is warm and friendly. The lady who served us was very knowledgeable on dairy alternatives for my friend who is weaning herself off milk.

It's very much a breakfast, then lunch, then dinner place. There's a period of about an hour in-between 'menu' service where a cake or muffin with a drink is all that's able to be ordered while the next 'meal' is being prepared to be displayed on the counter. This is a little bit annoying when you want an early lunch around 11am and you can't order anything other than a muffin or piece of cake. But, hey-ho, live and learn. Just need to time our visits better.

I've not had lunch or dinner here yet but friends rave about it! A couple have ordered over the phone and picked up take away for the family dinner which is a great service.

I wish the management and staff of Eliane all the best for a successful business.

The area definitely will benefit from their being part of the community.

Have you eaten here?
What did you think?

ms-havachat eats out in Ascot - AYA Court in Ascot

If you've been following ms-havacaht for a while, you'll know a few things about my little family.

We enjoy eating out and we LOVE Asian food.

We've driven past Aya Court on the way to/from Ascot for the past 18 months and today was the first time we ate there, but it won't be the last.

Looks can be deceiving - the restaurant is light and airy and big!

To the left of the entrance, there's an intimate dining area with a bench seat, and today there were 3 tables set up and if I recall, you could sit 6 people, maybe 7 along the bench and the same opposite; plus two smaller tables for two.

To the right of the entrance, is the larger dining area, with lots of natural light and a door leading onto the outdoor yard (bottom right photo) area with a fountain (it was empty, but I'm guessing that's cos it's winter, and in spring/summer it would be very nice to enjoy a pre-dinner drink out here.

Past the bar, there's another smaller dining area (the centre left photo) remember this was once a house, so the flow of smaller rooms makes sense. The smaller dining areas are intimate but you don't feel separate (maybe the one in the front).

There's two more surprises left!

One is an outdoor dining area (centre right photo), and the other is a second floor of tables! Perfect for a private function (photo below). Today it was set up for 45, but you could probably fit a few more in. There's a small bar there too, so it really would be a fun party.

On arrival, we were given delicious Chinese donuts, cut in half and for some odd reason, small pieces of flat bread.  The rest for the spoon and chopsticks was contemporary in design and a nice touch for people who rely on cutlery. The jasmine tea was served in a traditional tea pot and the wait staff were very attentive in pouring it for us and replacing the entire tea pot, not merely topping it up with hot water as some restaurants do.

Today, it was just the 3 of us, and we ate very good dim sum. We got a wee shock when the bill came £98 but we ate well (no alcohol)

It's after 6pm, we're still pleasantly full.

We feel like we're settling in well to the area .... found our local Japanese (Misugo) and now, Chinese.

For more information, please click here for Aya Court website.

Tell them ms-havachat recommended you (not that they know me, but they might after this)

With friendship
x

ms-havachat eats out in Surrey - Misogu Japanese, Windsor

You should know by now we love our food, we enjoy eating out and we especially love Japanese food.

What's difficult with enjoying a cuisine as much as we do, is that, having lived in Japan and eaten the food there (which funnily enough is simply called food), we're spoilt. Seldom does sushi or sashimi or udon or tempura meet our expectations, so when we do find a restaurant that comes close, we're very happy ... when we find one that equals our expectations we're delighted!

My physio very tentatively recommended Misugo in Windsor, as she knew we'd lived in Japan and thought we might like it. She loves it. She wasn't too sure we would and was nervous in doing so, but I was happy to accept her recommendation, make a reservation and try it - we've eaten some pretty horrible, expensive Japanese meals so figured we had nothing to loose.

Our photo's say it all ........ 3 very happy little Vegemites.

I thoroughly enjoy and recommend starting
with awarm Sake

This is the 'second' order of the night.
Too busy eating the first few dishes to take photos.
Sushi, soft shell crab, Katsu, gyoza and tempura prawn in nori wrap.

The hotate (scallop) were plump and juicy and delicious.

The unagi (eel) was BBQ'd to perfection and served warm (missed the sauce tho)

The ikura (salmon balls wrapped in nori and rice) are tweens' favourite, and these were big, slippery delicious balls of yumminess.

The mature (tuna) and sake (salmon) were de-lic-ious.


As we were celebrating tween's first term report, her very pleasing first term exam results, G's birthday, and our anniversary we were thrilled to have found a local Japanese restaurant to have dinner.

I phoned my physio and said THANK YOU .... she was delighted and relived!


Misugo offers dining in and take away service.

The restaurant is small, so I'd advise booking.

It's reasonably priced, but Japanese does tend to be 'expensive', but for the quality of the food, the presentation and flavours, it's worth every yen, I mean cent. Tho if you don't over indulge like us, you might get out of it cheaper than we did. We really need to learn to pace ourselves.

For more information, please go to their website 
(Don't email them your booking - call! They don't read their emails LOL)

ms-havachat eating out at The Dog and Partridge, Sunninghill, Ascot.

Check out the blue sky!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When you're new to an area, you know where you need to go and how to get there and that's about it. If you're going somewhere new, you're in the hands of the Sat Nav Gods and could end up where you need to be (which is always great) or somewhere else (which is frustrating)

When you're new to an area, you soon learn to make getting lost fun, unless you've an appointment then it's so-not-fun.

You see, you discover things you wouldn't normally see when you're lost.

You're in new territory that you might not otherwise have ever needed, bothered to go.

Yesterday, MrsH and I weren't so much lost as in ended up at the 'wrong' pub, which as it turns out was great!

We discovered the Dog and Partridge in Sunninghill.  Parking's bit of a nightmare, but we managed to find one down a side street. I would suggest, if you're there on a Friday or Saturday night, to taxi there'n'back or be prepared to walk.

The fire was lit, which for once I was very grateful for as the air has a real cut-thru-ice chill to it lately.  We were offered a seat in two very differently designed areas - and chose the more traditional as it was closer to the fire.

The more traditional dining are

The funky dining area towards the front of the pub

Our lovely fireplace with an eclectic wall above.

The service was friendly and efficient. We ordered drinks and food and sat and chatted. MrsH and I haven't seen each other in person for about 3 years, so there was lots to talk about.

The wine list is very broad, the food menu had lots of yummy sounding pub-food choices. MrsH ordered salmon on onion tart and I had my all time fav fish, monkfish and swapped mash for salad (aren't I a good girl).

Just before we left, we wandered outside to find a very clever UK oriented beer garden (that's an Aussie term for outdoor drinking/dining area). When you first walk out of the building there's a covered area with bright coloured cushions ...... then the perimeter of the area is also covered, with seating and tables. The centre is open to the elements.

Outdoor dining (aka beer garden)

If you're lunching midweek, stroll thru Sunninghill Village shopping centre. There's lovely bespoke boutiques to mooch around. A short drive, and you're at Windsor Park, Savill Gardens, Ascot, Windsor. Everything is this area is a short drive thru woodland lines roads.

It's a very beautiful part of the world.

The Dog and Partridge was a very lovely find.

For more information please click here for their website.

With friendship
x

ms-havachat dinning at Coworth Park, Surrey

Coworth Park from my car, taken on my phone.

Living a little bit of a high flying expat social life a few weeks ago, I was fortunate to share an early Christmas Luncheon with friends at the stunning Coworth Park in Ascot, part of the Dorchester Hotel Group.

Driving into the estate in the middle of winter is dramatic - naked trees spreading their huge, thick branches inviting you to imagine them covered in foliage. The 240 acres of parkland offers walkers and runners beautiful natural surroundings to immerse themselves in, there's horse riding and/or polo amongst other outdoor activities. All I could think of was how perfect a picnic under the huge trees, or afternoon tea served on the patio would be.

You're only 45 minutes from London, but feel a million miles from anywhere! That's a priceless feeling in this hustle and bustle world, don't you think.

The Spa is on your left as you drive up the private road

The front of the property in understated but
the welcome from the Staff is far from it.

The Reception area blends into the
surrounding lounge area

The fireplace and lounge area behind reception allows
guests to quietly wait while their car or taxi is arriving.

The interior designers should be commended for their
artistic talents with the Christmas decorations though out
Coworth Park.

The restaurant where we had lunch was perfect for a private function.
I loved the ceiling feature, and it's reflection in the mirror
at the end of the room was spectacular.

The Ceiling feature - unique and stunning.

Table setting; Soup for starters which was delicious.
Main course and desert.

Our Luncheon started with a champagne reception, followed by a three course lunch. The lounge area where we sipped on champagne and chatted was decorated for Christmas, and several of us appreciated the artwork on the walls.

The service was 5 star all the way. Each table had 5 waiters serve to the 10 people. It was orchestrated beautifully and was a pleasure to watch. The wait staff would position themselves between guests, and with a nod from the head waiter, in unison plates were served. The staff would return to the kitchen in single file ready to serve the next table.

The soup starter was delicious. The presentation with the softly toasted bread was so pretty. However, the presentation of the main course was disappointing. (Is that rude to say?)  Appreciating they were catering for 74 people at once, the plate was less than appealing to the eye. It's the photo on the left, above - what do you think? 

The layers upon layers of food, the pool of watery gravy (I noticed I was not the only one to hold my fork over the plate allowing the drops of gravy to drip before eating,  the huge carrots looked out of place atop 3 thick slices of turkey. It was delicious to taste, but could have been presented with more finese. Individual or group gravy servers would have been a good start, even a vegetable bowl per two people to self serve rather than having it all piled the plate. Have I been watching too many cooking shows on TV? 

When you compare the presentation of the soup and the desert, one wonders what happened to the kitchen pass for main course. 

Three hours later, we were sipping on coffee and noshing on Christmas cookies ... a great lunch! I thoroughly enjoyed not having to rush off to pick up the tween from school early as she had a late finish that day. As the room cleared of guests, the few remaining moved seats, sipped on coffee and chatted until it was time to go. 

Friends have recommended afternoon tea at Coworth Park (will keep it in mind for a birthday celebration or when we have guests visiting from overseas); and The Barn for family friendly meals. 

The Spa sounds devine too!

Stock photo from Dorchester Collection of The Barn at Coworth Park

All in all, my first experience at Coworth Park was really lovely and I am looking forward to going back with my family in the New Year and dining at The Barn, and sharing an Afternoon Tea with friends at some point in 2017. 

Have you been?
What did you think?

With friendship

x

ms-havachat discovers Surrey - Lunch at Riverside Brasserie

My photo turned out ok despite the grey sky

Riverside Brasserie, Bray is a lovely hidden gem of a restaurant and I can't wait to go back.

Located in the Bray Marina, you wonder if you're going in the right direction despite the signs that point you towards RIVERSIDE BRASSERIE. Trust me, just keep going past all the boats in dry-dock and follow the signs.

Even when you see the signs PARK HERE FOR RESTAURANT, you wonder 'where's the restaurant?' but keep walking towards the river and you'll soon come across a relaxing outdoor patio with tables and chairs, outdoor heaters, umbrellas and the restaurant itself.

The wide glass doors are perfect on a day like today - too cold and grey to sit outdoors, but the view is simply too lovely to hide.

Stock photo of patio area in full summer readiness (which I
will definitely be enjoying as soon as the weather warms up)

While we didn't have blue skies, or see a barge go by,
we could absolutely imagine this scene happening.

The location in winter is quiet and private which is lovely, though you can also appreciate the atmosphere in the warmer months with people dining on the patio and the glass doors open from the main restaurant. I'm sure there would be people arriving on their boats, mooring along the jetty. This reminded me of Sydney's Eastern Suburbs and the boats pulling up into Watson's Bay, or along the Hawkesbury River and that we need to befriend someone with a boat!

The interior is spacious, with large tables and comfy chairs. The open kitchen is a favourite aspect of any restaurant for me as I love to watch what goes on. The floral displays were huge and the hint of Christmas on the tables were understated.

My photo.

We started with warm flatbreads with 3 dips. Really delicious, tho the tzitziki was a tad too watery for my liking. I love a really thick dip that sits atop the bread. What I did like was the size of the servings of dip as there wasn't too much wasted, and we both felt we had enough.

Main for MrsC was gnocchi with mushrooms which she said was delicious, not too creamy and full of mushroom flavour while I had my favourite, grilled salmon, served on a bed of broccolini. The salmon was grilled rare with a crispy skin which I love. The sauce was tasty and there wasn't too much.

We finished with coffee and mint tea. 

Lunch for 2

We weren't rushed.

The service was pleasant and attentive but not in-your-face. 

We both really enjoyed lunch and both of us said 'we'll be back'.

For more details on Riverside Brasserie Bray click here

(This is a totally independent review of Riverside Brasserie.)

ms-havachat Discovering Surrey: Dining at Marco Pierre White, Windsor

Our family LOVES Marco Pierre White. Our 12 year old daughter might be one of his biggest fans, even tho she probably wouldn't eat most of the food he cooks (she has a very selective palette, so maybe, she SHOULD meet him and he could influence a few more foods into her diet)

Marco appears regularly as a guest judge on Australia's Masterchef, and while he's a bit gruff, he's also full of affection for the contestants, and food. He expects nothing less than each person giving 100% of themselves, what ever that might be. We giggle every time he peers over the top of his glasses. He's one of the those people who, when silent, says a lot.

We smiled often at the YES MARCO he would shout to the contestants, and they'd repeat, a tad frazzled YES MARCO.

This saying about dreams is something our daughter really liked.

My husband ate at MPW in Dublin and still, over 12 months later, still talks about it. Still not quite sure how we never ate there.

Thanks again, Google images.

Long story short, there's a MPW in Windsor at the Castle Hotel. We'd walked past a few times and commented how we should go one night .......... last week my husband did something he seldom does. HE made a reservation for dinner without consulting me and we had one of the loveliest date nights we've had in a long time. (Usually I'm the social director. Who's the social director at your place?)

The entrance to the restaurant is just to the right of the entrance to the Hotel and, if you know of Marco's personality (or at least the one he shows on television), it's VERY him. There's a definite presence about the place.

L: Walking thru entrance of Hotel.
R: Restaurant reception, with Marco peering down, watching.

After a warm welcome, we were escorted to our table. The restaurant was busy for a Monday night, with several tables of diners already seated, drinking and looking at menues. G had already looked online and knew what he was  having for dinner, so it was left to me to decide. Even tho it's a steakhouse, I opted for seafood and G had lobster followed by pork (which we don't cook at home).

Entree: Crispy Devilled Whitebait (Delicious)
 Marco's Lobster Macaroni (YUM!)

Mains: Seared YellowFin Tuna with Panzenella Salad (OMG YUM!)
and Pork Belly Marco Polo (SO GOOD!)

Sticky Toffee Pudding - the waiter poured the sauce for us.

We sat and chatted between courses.

We drank wine.

We had a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

We are looking forward to going back soon.

There's a kids eat free offer which we'll do before MissM starts school in a few weeks as a celebration of the summer holidays.

If you're local to Windsor, and you dine here, I really hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

With friendship
x

ms-havachat's Discovering Surrey: Great Fosters, Surrey, UK.

Great Fosters courtesy of a professional photo on Google Images.

Great Fosters in Egham, Surrey is a 17th century mansion house, overflowing with history.  Great Fosters is a magnificent boutique hotel offering a variety of dining experiences and private gardens.

As a Grade 1 listed building, Great Fosters has been placed on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or History Interest.  It means it may not be demolished, renovated or altered without special permission form the local planning authority without consulting the central government agency to ensure what work required is done within keeping with the original building (thanks Google search)

Simply put - it ensures the magnificent history of architecture continues to be enjoyed, along with the history of the people who once lived/worked within them.

It's why millions of people travel to the UK, Ireland and Europe - to experience the history the buildings offer.

Great Fosters is also a local icon. It's on the list of places one might go with overseas visitors for a 'special meal' or a celebratory afternoon tea. They are also a popular venue for weddings and offer several private dining rooms for bespoke experiences.

I was so touched when MrsC invited me to lunch there for my birthday recently. I had heard so many wonderful things about the place, and G and I had thought 'we'll leave it for a special occasion' so to be taken there was very special.

Having not been before, I was gobsmacked from the moment we drove into the place. When I saw the building, even thru the rain I could see how stunning it was.

The entrance door is delightful! So tiny, and unique. The porters must have fun schlepping suitcases in/out, but for me, absolutely the most gorgeous door I have ever walked through.

Entrance.

The lobby takes your breath away. I simply LOVE Listed Buidings! I know my BFF MrsH in Sydney would positively love this place. Every nook had something special to offer. The luxurious chairs, the floral displays, antique furniture - they don't make lobby's like this very often anymore.

Lobby, taken with my phone camera.

We were greeted by several staff with simple smiles and a soft 'good afternoon ladies' and at reception told that 'someone will be with your shortly to escort you into the restaurant'. How exciting!

We had a glass of champagne next to the windows overlooking the gardens (which I will definitely need to visit again as it was raining), and then escorted to our table in The Estate Grill, one of several restaurants.

The view entering the restaurant. 

I think I might have gasped out loud!

The light!
The ceiling!
The colour scheme!
The decor!

One of the most serene and beautiful dining rooms ever!

MrsC and I were in awe (she's had afternoon tea here before, but in a different room). We looked like twits walking around ooh-ing and aah-ing and taking photos, but didn't care.

Seriously felt like we were inside an old church. The ceiling
was so high and decorative. This photo does not do the room justice.

My camera didn't capture the room as well as this professional photo

The waiter was so patient with us, and once we were seated and calmed down, he explained the tapas inspired menu, then left us to consider our choices. The sommelier joined us and said he'd be very happy to help us choose wines to accompany our dishes once we'd made our selection, or he could recommend a bottle of wine - we chose the bottle hehehehehe

Lunch is served ........... it was artistic, colourful, delicious.

Beetroot, walnut, apple and puffed rice

OMG the quail!!!!!!!!!!!! Described on the menu 'hay roasted stuffed quail"

Sumptuous Salmon ..... sured salmon, oyster, gin and cucumber.

Sensational scallops ..... scallops, lomo, fennel

Coffee. 

We only had coffee to finish. 

What a lunch. 

A truly memorable and so special birthday treat from my dear friend MrsC. 

If you know you'll be in the area, you absolutely have to make a reservation to dine here, at the very least, enjoy afternoon tea and let me know what you think. 

PS: This blog is totally independent of Great Fosters. They don't even know I was going to write one. 

With friendship

x