The Whip – A Taste of Britain

Have an appetite for some authentic British pub food? Take a drive some beautiful lazy afternoon down the winding pastoral roads of Chester County. You will pass through West Chester, Downingtown and East Fallowfield.  Plan as your destination, “The Whip” in East Marborough..  You will recognize it by its charm, a white cottage adorned with generously flowered window boxes and a red door.  All it needs to be a perfect English cottage is a thatch roof. Don’t look for any other businesses in the area, the whip is a stand-alone next to a cornfield, a stream and in the middle of horse farms.

Step inside and you can inhale the ambiance.  Oh it’s not perfect …but what English pubs is.  I can vouch for its authenticity. There is no maîtredee  but rather a manager who takes your name from behind the walnut stained oak bar. When he calls your name it reminds one of barristers dialoguing at Parliament.

All four of us, Claire, Polly, Joanne and Marianne, started with Welsh Rarebit, a warm blend of English cheddar and Stilton cheeses, swirled with Smithwick’s Irish Ale and served with crostini for dipping. The recipe is from 18th century Great Britain. OMG, it was heaven.

Now what would you order as an entree I ask you?  Check out the offerings: Steak with Mushroom Pie, Bison Cottage Pie, Beef Wellington, Bangers and Mash, Scotch Eggs, Bubble & Squeak, Fish & Chips, Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding, and award winning Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert. These are just a few of the delectable offerings that have earned rave reviews and a loyal following among British expatriates and English-fare converts. Thirsty?  Grab a seat mate and grab a pint of your favorite Brit delicacy from among 30 or more select Porters, Stouts, Cider or Ales.

So now what did we order?  Three of us enjoyed the braised short ribs, dusted with One Village organic coffee and cooked until fork tender. Served with a blackcurrant demi-glace and mashed cauliflower and seasonal vegetables.. Oh and remember the image is not showing mashed potatoes, no no no, they are mashed cauliflower.  YUM!

Now Joanne was a little more adventurous with her Pork Delmonico, a10oz. Lancaster County pork steak with a saute of local mushrooms, tomatoes and fresh herbs, served with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Couple this comfort food of the highest tradition with excellent brews and a friendly waitstaff for the best British Tavern meal this side of the Pond.

Claire’s Choice **

http://www.thewhiptavern.com/

Thanks for reading,

Claire

http://www.ClaireRichardsRealtor.com