PRESS RELEASE / Wiltshire country pub reopens with farmhouse flavour
Press release issued on behalf of the Pear Tree Inn, a restored country pub with rooms in Whitley, Wiltshire
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- pears growing in the Whitley pub’s mini orchard
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- Jackie’s favourite shepherd’s pie
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- Bubble and squeak with oak-smoked streaky bacon, a poached hen’s egg and hollandaise sauce
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- Pear Tree Inn’s chef Adrian Jenkins
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- Pomegranate glazed duck couscous and chickpea pomegranate pilaf
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- The Pear Tree Inn’s new custodians – landlord Jackie Cosens and chef Adrian Jenkins, with their dalmatians
Wiltshire country pub reopens with farmhouse flavour
Restored as a village pub with rooms, the Pear Tree Inn, tucked away in rural Whitley, will reopen early next month. Inspired by the building’s past, its new custodians have carefully applied a relaxed and rustic feel to the menu, and its hosting 17th century Wiltshire farmhouse.
Whether visiting for a drink, something to eat or checking in for the weekend, a warm welcome awaits from new landlady, Jackie Cosens and chef, Adrian Jenkins.
Visitors are invited to unwind in the country pub’s relaxed furnishings, in the form of mismatched chairs and chesterfields. The entrance bar has two fireplaces and provides space for enjoying a newspaper, coffee and something from the bar menu.
Beyond the flagstoned bar are two dining areas; the garden room, adjacent to a secluded courtyard; and a large open sunroom with exposed beams, and adjacent garden terrace, for al fresco meals on warmer days.
Adrian’s menu is British, featuring seasonal flavour and ingredients that are locally grown and reared (next year, the pub’s kitchen garden will influence more of the menu). Starters feature south coast mussels with perry and bacon; and roast Charlotte potatoes, glazed pear, blue vinney and walnut salad.
To follow, regular dishes include Jackie’s favourite pulled lamb shoulder & duck shepherd’s pie with buttered Bromham cabbage heart; a sharing platter comprising beetroot hummus, hake ceviche, bacon & Keen’s cheddar croquette and smoked mackerel pâté; and Adrian’s best ever fish pie.
Comforting puddings for autumn and winter include oaty pear crumble with almond ice cream, chocolate & pear cake and plum & cardamom brûlée.
Designed for family and friends to get together, the sharing farmhouse style Sunday lunch options include rare roast sirloin of beef, lamb shoulder, pork belly or chicken, plus plenty of classic accompaniments.
Hearty bar snack options include black pudding scotch egg, garlic king prawns and Adrian’s proper piggy scratchin’s. The bar menu also features grilled Dorset sardines with herby garlic butter, salad and sourdough; a beef burger with Coastal Cheddar, pickled cucumber and skinny chips; honey and mustard glazed Downland Farm harm, with Paxcroft eggs, chips and salad.
The kitchen produces its own jams, chutneys and ice creams. Starters range from £5.50 to £7; mains £13 to £22; and desserts are £6.50.
The well stocked bar offers a hand pulled perry, traditional cider, botanical spirits and artisan wines available by the glass, selected to complement the menu. Beer drinkers can choose from Bath Ales, a selection of craft beers and regional guest ales. Cocktails inspired by the kitchen garden are planned to feature soon too.
In the spirit of any good country local, a biscuit jar awaits four legged friends; the accommodation is also dog friendly.
A late 17th century building with records showing it to have been a working farm in 1750, today’s Pear Tree Inn is set in two acres of gardens, which include a small pear orchard and fruit trees. It has eight double en suite rooms – four above the pub and four in converted outbuildings. All bedrooms are furnished simply and elegantly – some have mullion windows and all have Smart TVs and WiFi. The natural toiletries used throughout the pub are handmade and supplied by Wiltshire-based Bramley. Double rooms start at £100 per night, which includes breakfast.
The Pear Tree Inn’s breakfast menu includes the traditional full English, homemade granola and vanilla bean yoghurt, fresh fruit, eggs Benedict, toast with homemade jams and eggy bread. More information, directions, menus and booking information: peartreewhitley.co.uk.
Adrian Jenkins and Jackie Cosens each bring 25 years of West Country pub trade experience to the Pear Tree Inn – previously running the Three Daggers pub with rooms in the nearby Wiltshire village of Edington – alongside a farm shop and micro brewery. The Pear Tree Inn is now owned by Punch Taverns.