The Sun Inn with Gordon Stott

My partner and I dined at the Sun inn on a Friday in September to experience the cooking of up and coming chef Gordon Stott.

The Sun Inn can be found on the A30 between Winchester and Basingstoke and is only 11 miles to the south of Kingsclere. The approach to the Inn does not set the pulse racing; however, inside we found a welcoming reception and very pleasant candle lit ambience. We were welcomed by the smiling Suzanne on the night; supported by a very professional and friendly team.

The host has created a contemporary feel with pleasant comfortable furnishings and candlelit tables. The restaurant was fully booked for the evening and it is clear that the Chef has an enthusiastic following among the locals.

Local Chef Gordon has created a menu that can be described as “gastro new age contemporary cuisine” that shows imagination and flair that belies his young age. At only 23 years old, Gordon is probably the youngest Chef/ Landlord in the region if not the UK. Gordon uses local ingredients wherever he can and grows his own vegetables and herbs to ensure that the freshest wholesome ingredients are always on hand.

The wine list provided plenty of choice starting at around £15 per bottle and there is plenty of selection including a desert wine and wine by the glass.

My partner started with a delightful cheese soufflé accompanied by breaded apple and stilton with a red grape and fennel salad. The soufflé was superbly cooked with interesting combinations to accompany. I chose the pigeon breast served with Pancetta flavoured giant cous-cous with a watercress and beetroot salad. The pigeon breast was perfectly cooked pink and tender with well thought out accompaniments that reflect the chefs bespoke style.

For the main course my partner selected pan fried haddock served with crushed new potatoes, buttered asparagus, radish, fennel, crab cake and a horseradish cream. I could not resist the Sirloin medallions with mushrooms, spinach, spiced tomato chutney, onion rings, with a shallot just and accompanied by wonderfully crispy triple cooked chips. We were both taken aback by the size of the portions, nouvelle cuisine this is not, but it is classy and judging by the local clientèle very popular and you should definitely book if you are planning to dine at the weekend.

We sampled wine by the glass on the night to enable us to partake in some of the lovely wines on the list. I was particularly taken by the smooth and enticing Malbec that had me hooked and wishing that I could stay for the night; however my responsibilities as a driver saw me savouring every drop between sips of the mineral water that was supplied by the hosts to each table.

The Sun Inn proved to be an interesting visit and the Chef being at the early stages of what must be a very illustrious career excited both of us with the menu and his enthusiasm for his culinary craft.

Gordon has an enthusiasm and passion that sees him engaging in the local community and provides inspiration and mentoring to local aspiring Chefs.

We thoroughly enjoyed our evening at the Sun Inn and would recommend to anyone looking for wholesome well cooked food prepared by a Chef who is ambitious and passionate about his craft in a venue that provides a warm welcome to weary travellers and local foodies alike.

For more information and to make reservations, please visit their website: The Sun Inn
They are also taking bookings for Christmas, see the menu available here: The Sun Inn Christmas menu