A truly delightful pub & restaurant in the heart of a small village with a great local feel . This is probably the best way to describe this place . Situated in the village of Stock in Ingatestone this local pub was a really great way to spend the afternoon. Although I knew the area I didn’t really know about this place until the Essex Feast book was published and saw that they were in it I then made a few enquiries to which I was advised to pay them a visit so on Sunday off we went. On our arrival we decided to have a drink in the bar where they have a good selection of Real Ales and you immediately sense the great local atmosphere and friendly nature which is continued with the staff who’s greeting is warm and friendly. There is plenty of room in the bar area for eating you just have to wait for a free table or as we did you can book a table in the Oak Room Restaurant which is situated upstairs where the friendliness of the place extends. On a Sunday they offer a 3 course lunch for £25 which turned out to be excellent value for money. We were then seated and started to look at the menu and even though they offer about half a dozen other main dishes having seen the roast dinners in the bar it was going to be an easy decision. We started with the Citrus Cured Salmon and the Scotch Egg & Sausage Roll both very tasty

CITRUS CURED SALMON

SCOTCH EGG & SAUSAGE ROLL

Then it was time for the mains and yes we both had a fantastic roast dinner and without doubt one of the best I’ve had for a long while the Pork was a lovely thick cut which was juicy and tender with fantastic Crackling and the Beef was also perfectly cooked as were the accompaniments definitely a hearty roast dinner worth the visit by itself

ROAST PORK

ROAST BEEF

Before we ventured on to desserts a rest was needed and looking at the desserts it was hard to choose one but after getting advice from the waitress we decided to have the Apple & Pear Tart & I just had to have the Bread & Butter Pudding both served with thick custard and Clotted Cream Ice Cream and as like the previous courses were amazing and a great way to finish.

APPLE & PEAR TART

BREAD & BUTTER PUDDING

Well I can honestly say I’ll be paying more visits to the Hoop and especially would like to attend one of there Tasting Menu evenings. So if really good pub food with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere then this is a place I would highly recommend

#Foodie #Ingatestone #Essex