Testimonials

“Classic food from an award-winning chef at The Blowing Stone

Set on the edge of the Berkshire Downs, in the pretty village of Kingston Lisle, you’re in for a treat if you stumble across The Blowing Stone. Under new management since last August, the pub specialises in real ales and serves up a great menu of high quality, locally sourced food.

Angus and Stephanie Tucker previously managed the White Horse in nearby Woolstone, and have now joined forces with award-winning chef Robbie Ellis to bring their unique menu of home cooked classics to The Blowing Stone. The pub has become the favourite haunt of the local horseracing community; pop in for a pint and you’re likely to see champion trainers and jockeys dining there! Real ale drinkers won’t be disappointed with the selection of beers on offer, either.

However, food is the real attraction of The Blowing Stone. The lunch and dinner menus range from simple homemade soups and salads to steaks, pies, curries, risottos and fish, and the desserts are irresistible too. Those looking for a lighter bite for lunch might fancy a filled baguette and cup of soup, or the antipasti. On Sundays there are always three roasts - beef, pork and lamb - at lunchtime, as well as a variety of other dishes including pasta and fish. The menu changes regularly and the food is sourced from local suppliers wherever possible and is all cooked on the premises - everything from the horseradish sauce upwards is made from scratch, from fresh ingredients. The food is all reasonably priced but on the second Tuesday of the month there’s a special £10 dinner offer which definitely gives great value for money.

Although The Blowing Stone is a traditional village pub, it’s no “ye olde inn” as it has a light and airy, contemporary feel about it. As well as the bar and dining areas there’s a large sunny conservatory which caters for up to 60 people and can be booked for wedding receptions or special occasions. The Blowing Stone holds regular events, such as wine tasting and special occasion lunches, and is family- and dog-friendly. There is also a large, attractive garden, perfect for evening drinks or a leisurely summer Sunday lunch. ”

Focus on Wantage, 2010

"Just to thank you for an excellent lunch yesterday.

It is, unfortunately, very rarely that I can describe a meal out these days as "faultless" but that accolade certainly applies in this case. The beer (Ringwood) was well chosen and perfectly presented. It is a versatile brew which provides a refreshing drink by itself or an ideal accompaniment to fish and white or red meats.

My main course was Chicken Kiev. I cannot recall ever having eaten one so perfectly prepared, from such quality ingredients, even in prestigious restaurants. Either the chicken is cheap and nasty or there is too much or too little garlic. This example had the ideal combination of chicken to garlic, was perfectly cooked and sensitively coated with fine breadcrumbs. It was also a sensible size portion; this dish can leave one hungry if skimped.

My wife chose your homemade burger and she has not stopped talking about its triumph of flavours and quality of ingredients ever since. Again, a perfectly conceived and executed dish which I look forward to trying on another visit.

We both, as always, enjoyed your chips, a simple accompaniment but one other hostelries find it almost impossible to deliver to an acceptable standard.

Service too struck exactly the right note: attentive, but not intrusive.

Thanks again."

Dr R A Barnes, 2010