Roasts at The Warren

Sunday roasts are a time-honored English tradition carried out at family tables through the United Kingdom. The slow-cooked meats, sizzling in hot ovens and on open fire grills for hours and hours on a Sunday afternoon, take on the tenderest of textures as savory juices add unmatched flavor to the meal.

We tried the Sunday roast meal at The Warren, a lovely "country pub and eating house" tucked into the Berkshire countryside in Wokingham. The restaurant itself was at once elegant and warm, with modern touches nestled amongst historical farm artifacts. The menu offers just enough global complexity to appease the adventurous diner, but the restaurant's strength is the in the slow-cooked meats.

We began the meal with an antipasti platter - one to be surely reconstructed at home and enjoyed at The Warren again. With luscious sun-dried tomatoes and fresh anchovies, the flatbread-covered plate was the perfect balance of roasted garlic, spicy meats, olives, sweet peppers and crunchy watercress with just enough aged cheese to add a nice bite of salt. All in all, an excellent starter - or even a light main course.

The roasts, which imbued the restaurant with an indescribably tantalizing aroma, did not disappoint. Succulent and fork tender, the British beef, roast pork with apples and spit-fire cooked chicken were distinctive and memorable. My personal favorite on the plate were the ultimate comfort food - crispy balls of homemade stuffing.

The brown gravy was a revelation, made from the combined drippings of all roasted meats and served with each dish. Thick, rich and flavorful, the gravy offered a well-seasoned accent to each of the meats and their accompanying fluffy Yorkshire puddings and roast potatoes. Vegetables are served on the side, with tender-crisp cauliflour, tossed lightly in a warmed cream sauce.

Service was excellent and attentive (thank you Jayne!), and the overall ambience of our fireside table was comfortable and relaxed. Count on a crowd - so bookings are advised.

To find out more about The Warren and its sister pubs in Maidenhead and Reading, visit www.thewarrenwokingham.co.uk.
The Warren Forest Road, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 5SB
Call 01344 304 446 to make your table reservation.

Don't forget to enjoy a soothing cup of creamy capucinno to finish off the meal - it's very nice!