The Chequers Inn at Wooburn

I had heard very good things about The Chequers from various colleagues and friends as to how good the food and ambience was but I never expected it to be quite this fantastic.

We walked in on a bitterly cold Friday night and were greeted warmly by Nick Roehrig, the maitre d’, of this fabulous restaurant.

The restaurant itself has a very modern feel with an old fashioned twist to it, a very nice setting for any meal.

My friend Mike and I perused the menu with great interest. It certainly took us a while and whilst looking and deciding, we both had a drink. I had the Bellhaven Pilsner, a lager which I have never had before, which was clean and crisp with a delightful taste.

Mike had an IPA, and The Chequers has a vast array of bitters and lagers throughout the establishment.

We ordered our food and I went for the duck leg croquette with black pudding, chicory and rhubarb (£8.95) whereas Mike went with the mini cheeseburger and chips (£6.95).

For me, the starter was an example of fine dining.

The croquette was packed with flavoursome and herby duck, which melted in the mouth. The black pudding added a smoky element to the dish and the rhubarb added a sweet and sharp undertone to it. An absolute triumph.

Mike’s cheeseburger and chips was a classic. It was a very thick slab of beef and was tender and bursting with flavour. The chips were thick and homemade and seasoned beautifully.

For mains, we kept true to our roots and I went with the ribeye steak with mushroom, tomato, chips, onion rings and salad (£24.95), while Mike went with the fillet of beef with the same accompaniments (£30.50).

These were very generous portions and my steak and Mike’s fillet were cooked as we asked them. The steak melted away and the aforementioned chips were incredible with a fantastic salad, fresh with cheese and olive oil, adding real acidity.

The beef was perfectly medium rare and another truly excellent example of quality cooking.

We both just about managed to find room for dessert. I went with the chocolate cremeux, with brownie, nuts and tonka bean ice cream (£7.45) and Mike had the three cheese board (£7.25).

The cremeux was decadent and indulgent. The tonka bean ice cream was absolutely heavenly and married together perfectly.

The cheese board, Mike commented, was one of the best he has ever had and rounded off the meal superbly.

Whatever you do, go for a wonderful experience at The Chequers. You won’t be disappointed. Visit www.chequers-inn.com.