SO MUCH CHOICE – SUCH HIGH QUALITY Reviewed by Sandra Morgan and Lorraine Perry for the CM17 Connection Magazine
The John Barleycorn in Threshers Bush is a delightful pub/restaurant, just a few miles out of Harlow in a charming country setting with outside picnic style seating with parasols and a feature pond and fountain containing many interesting fish including Sturgeon, Koi and Grass Carp
After ordering drinks at the bar, we were shown to our window table, to enjoy the sunshine, by Tracy who brought us the Specials Board together with the A la Carte Menu ..... Wow, so much choice. Lorraine and I looked at each other in amazement wondering how we were ever going to decide.
Tracy was very knowledgeable about the menu and helped us to make our choices. There were various fish options and a selection of different meat dishes including Roast Leg of Venison or Pork Fillet topped with Brie in a Madeira Sauce and a number of vegetarian alternatives, all very competitively priced.
For starters, Lorraine chose Chicken Liver Pate with Red Onion Chutney which arrived superbly presented with plenty of warm brown and white toast triangles, a pot of butter and the delicious chutney. I went for the Warm Goats Cheese and Red Onion Tart. I must say, it was an absolute triumph, an individual filo pastry tart with red onion topped with possibly the nicest grilled goats cheese I have tasted, lovely and creamy, not too tangy, together with a salad garnish.
The main courses were equally well presented, Lorraine’s Grilled Lamb in Rosemary and Garlic Jus looked delicious and the Garlic and Paprika Roast Potatoes were just as roast potatoes should be; lovely and crisp but fluffy and light inside. As I mentioned previously, the extensive menu makes you want to eat it all, but after much deliberation I went for Cumberland Sausages on a bed of Mashed Potato with Onion Gravy. This was served with a side of a variety of glossy, fresh vegetables; cabbage, baby carrots, asparagus and French beans, cooked to perfection. Lorraine had a side dish of mixed salad which was plentiful, crisp and colourful.
No room for dessert, I am afraid although the list was very comprehensive. Homemade desserts including such delights as Strawberry Cheesecake, Apricot Crumble, Syrup Sponge and Profiteroles with Chocolate Sauce all sounded heavenly. There was also a full selection of Luxury Ice Cream and Sorbets.
I know we will just have to go back again very soon, to sample more delights on the menu and next time make sure we have room for dessert.
For those looking for just a lunchtime snack, the varied bar menu is also available and they serve a very popular extensive Sunday Lunch menu from 12 noon to 8pm. Based on our experience whenever you choose to visit the John Barleycorn, you will certainly not be disappointed.
I understand from Carl and Pauline that they also cater for private functions, Weddings, Christenings, Funeral Gatherings, Private Parties etc.
*************************************** Bradley Tredinnick Tuesday 15 March 2011
The Staff are excellent, The Food is amazing, the atmosphere wonderful the John Barleycorn is absolutely faultless a wonderful place to retreat and relax too. ************************************** Christine Woo Sunday 25 December 2011
A wonderful Christmas dinner, gr8 atmosphere,happy, helpful staff, and absolutely beautiful surroundings.....
Thank you, Pauline/Carl, and not forgetting the family, and your wonderful staff..
I wish you all a very happy New Year, and hope to see you again soon..
Best Wishes,
Christine Wood.... ************************************** Evelyn & Ron Hudson January 2011
Dear Pauline, Tracy & Carl
We would like to thank you for a fantastic Christmas Lunch, which was perfect in all ways.
So yourselves and all your staff and kitchen personnel are to be congratulated in a ‘Well Done Christmas’ and I would like to enter you for ‘Essex Pub of the Year’ Competition.
We wish the John Barleycorn all the very best of success in the forthcoming year. *************************** John Drewett February 2012 A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon dinner at this excellently run pub. An extensive menu (not over priced). Pleasantly attentive staff and the "lady of the house" took the time to seek our views on how enjoyable or otherwise are visit had been, well the food we had was excellent. We most certainly will return and recommend the John Barleycorn to those who wish for first class service, food, and a lovely location. ***************************
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