The Cowper Arms, Cole Green

Published in WH Times, December 2018

Winter is the perfect time to head to a cosy pub and sit by a real log fire, and if that is after a country walk, all the better. The Cowper Arms in pretty Cole Green is right next to the Cole Green Way, surrounded by trees and is the perfect escape from working life. I visited last week to see the new refurbishment, and it has been transformed, with a smart new interior that makes the most of the lovely old building and surrounds.

If you just want to pop in for a drink, there are three cosy areas at the front of the pub, with two real fires. They have expanded their gin, cocktail and fizz list; I chose a Sevilla bitter orange gin which went well with a sprig of fresh rosemary.

The dinner menu has lots of choice, including plenty of pub favourites. We loved the roasted lentil falafel from the meze plate; a light texture with whole chickpeas in it. My king prawn roll with dipping sauce was beautifully prepped with crisp, fresh julienne vegetables. I chose lobster and crab fishcakes with smashed peas and it was a generous plateful for 13.50. The fishcakes were good but I didn’t think the asparagus was needed and is out of season in December.

My pal thought the roasted pork belly with seared scallops was great; it was served with dauphinoise potatoes, green beans and toasted almonds so you don’t need to order side dishes. I thought the menu was a little light on interesting vegetarian and vegan options, but if you like fish, steaks and pizzas there is plenty of choice for you. We chatted to manager Russell, who like many of the team, have worked at The Cowper Arms for years, and I am sure the chefs can adapt the menu if you need them too.

Everyone seemed excited and proud of the new pub and were looking forward to seeing all the regulars back again. I will definitely be back, and am looking forward to the lovely garden in summer!