REVIEW: The Jolly Farmer, Cliddesden (From Basingstoke Gazette)

REVIEW: The Jolly Farmer, Cliddesden

9:46am Monday 5th September 2011 in Taste and Tell By Richard Garfield

A VISIT to The Jolly Farmer should leave a smile on the face of its patrons.

After all, it is a delightful country pub in Cliddesden, offering a warm welcome to drinkers and diners alike.

As it is literally a five minute drive out of Basingstoke I thought it would make a nice change for a lunch-time bite.

Inside the cosy pub I was immediately tempted by its hearty fare as the day I picked was one of the coldest and wettest of the summer.

So it was without any hesitation that I plumped to go for the soup of the day to warm me up.

It certainly did the trick. The thick mushroom and celeriac soup accompanied by warm bread was delicious and on its own was sufficient to fill me up.

For a main course I went for my favourite, fish and chips, or as the menu had it, Fresh Daily Battered Fish with French Fries and Home-made Mushy Peas.

The fish was wonderful while the French fries were just French fries – I can’t really fault them, but I couldn’t help thinking that perhaps proper thick-cut chips would have fitted the bill better. It also took a little too long for the food to arrive.

My vegetarian friend had the good sense to forego the soup, leaving plenty of room for a main course. She initially felt the choice for vegetarians was limited for those who are not so keen on dishes with mushrooms, so it was very much appreciated that the chef was able to rustle up a variation of his risotto without them.

The risotto went down particularly well with my friend, who can, on occasion, be a little picky.

She was certainly a very satisfied customer although I, while paying the bill which included two soft drinks, had a nagging pang that this was a rather expensive lunch.

We both couldn’t fault the young lady who served us who was very friendly and accommodating.

So although I’d be very happy to return to The Jolly Farmer again, I would go in the evening when perhaps I would have more time to relax and enjoy my meal.