The White Horse Inn Barton

This true British gem sees people flock from miles around to enjoy the atmosphere, the wide selection of local beer, and, of course, the food. Having owned the venue for only a few years, the owner has spared no expense in bringing quality dining to complement the venue, and is very proud of the food on offer. The menu boasts traditional favourites including a Sunday roast, and dishes with a Mediterranean twist.

My wife and I started by sharing a number of starters, including local bread baked in Cambridge that day and seasoned with oil and herbs, large garlic butter shrimp, and hummus and cucumber on toasted sourdough bread. Each bite was rich and thoroughly enjoyable, setting the scene for our main courses.

After the starters and many appreciative comments about the cosiness of the venue, our mains arrived. I chose monkfish and shrimp, while my wife opted for chicken and chorizo. Both dishes were served on skewers, hanging from a hook above the plate and were complemented by a side of batatas a murro: crushed new potatoes seasoned with garlic. The presentation was delightful, but the food spoke for itself. The fish was perfectly flaky and full of flavour, while the chicken was juicy and bursting with the richness of the marinade – both main courses were a treat for the eyes as much as a treat for the tastebuds.

After finishing our main courses, we were unable to resist dessert. I plumped for the pastel de nata: a traditional Portuguese custard tart sprinkled with cinnamon and served with ice cream – my new favourite dessert. My wife tucked into her beautifully presented strawberry Eton Mess sundae.

The White Horse is a fine example of an authentic, up-market country pub. We were blown away by the genuinely lovely atmosphere and cannot wait to return.