The Pointer | Brill (UK)
A prime example of a gastro pub. We thoroughly enjoyed this lunch that managed to walk the fine line between comfort and quality.
One beautiful day in May we drove through the little village of Brill in Buckinghamshire (UK). It was lunchtime and we looking for a pub. On the only road through the village we passed The Pointer. When I saw the blackboard on the outside, I suddenly hit the breaks…..
The Pointer is a gorgeously restored country pub with a separate building on the other side of the road with four hotel rooms. The pub also has an olde-wordle butcher’s shop attached to it, selling its own bespoke charcuterie, and even a quaint delivery van outside.
As it was a beautiful day, we sat outside in the garden. Luckily there was a free table!
While browsing through the menu, we got some bread with beef drippings butter. So bad, but o so nice. The was served in the brown paper bag with a wooden peg. Nice touch.
The menu shows 4 Snacks & Sharers (£3.50-£5) and a charcuterie board (£15), 5 Starters (£8-£10), 7 Mains (£20-£35), 4 Desserts (£8-£9) and a cheese board (£11).
From the Snacks & Sharers we had the Chickpea fritters with a spiced tomato dip. I was tempted to order another portion. Simple, but ever so nice.
The dish is a bit hidden because of the salad. Presentation could be a better. But the combination of the beetroot, pear and goats curd is lovely. Nice balance of flavours. Would have liked some dressing though.
Coppa from The Pointer’s butcher shop of course. The coppa added a lovely touch of meaty saltiness to the asparagus and the Hollandaise sauce, and the hazelnuts gave a bit of crunch.
Succulent slow-cooked pork belly for my partner, with a hit of anise and a thin crispy skin. The grilled chicory, with its natural bitters coming through nicely, and slightly enhanced by the radishes, which was lovely. The sauce was nice, but you really want a rich gravy with pork belly.
For my mains I had the deliciously rich Angus beef, with chips cooked in dripping, hen of the woods, roasted cherry tomatoes and a Béarnaise sauce. The sauce was well-made with subtle spicing and just the right level of sharpness. A very enjoyable dish.
My partner had the cheese board with 4 cheeses: Golden Cross, Baron Bigod, Montgomery Cheddar and Barkham Blue. Accompanied by crackers, oatcakes, celery, apple, grapes and fig jelly.
I can see why Michelin awarded The Pointer with Pub of the Year 2018. A prime example of a gastro pub. Fresh ingredients, capably prepared: simply a good meal. We thoroughly enjoyed this lunch that managed to walk the fine line between comfort and quality.
