The Loch and The Tyne
Luxury British Restaurant & Pub – Old Windsor
10 Crimp Hill, Old Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 2QY
Posh Nosh Par Excellence
We were excited to visit The Loch & The Tyne, Adam Handling’s first pub restaurant outside of London, located in Old Windsor in Berkshire. Adam is known as a Masterchef finalist AND is currently appearing on BBC’s Great British Menu where he has won a place to represent Scotland in the regional Finals so as you might imagine… the food is gonna be gooood!!
The L&T is being run by co-chef proprietors Scottish Steve Kerr and Geordie Jonny McNeil – hence the venue name and is already a firm favourite with locals and those from further afield looking for fine dining with eco credentials.
The Venue
The venue is the old Oxford Blue which many locals will be familiar with and which was sadly forced to close during the pandemic. The décor hasn’t changed dramatically but a bit less hunting lodge and more posh pub with a central bar, large dining room, private dining room and two luxury bedrooms above, available for those who really want to push the boat out. The pub also has its very own vegetable garden, orchard and flowerbeds and the vibe throughout this as with Adam’s other locations is all about eco luxury and sustainability. The new venue has gone green in a big way with composting, solar panels, upcycled furniture and even the water in the sinks which is recycled to flush the toilets, making it perhaps the most sustainable pub in the UK.
Once inside
We received a very warm welcome at the door and were shown to a delightful booth for four. The restaurant was busy and buzzy but tables far enough apart to feel private and suitably distanced. It’s informal but you imagine there’s some real magic going on in the kitchen. Some of the waiting staff were inexperienced but in the current circumstances that’s not unusual, one of our waitresses was working her first shift but she was truly charming and what she didn’t know she went and found out. In general I would describe the service as relaxed and professional.
Lots of Choice
My better half, Nigel, tells me I’m a nightmare to cater for, however… there was plenty for me to choose from on the menu which is all about quality, seasonal produce. I had called ahead to advise my allergies so was pleased to discuss off menu requirements to the side of our party without making a big fuss. I wasn’t planning on a starter but I was bought one anyway! Our Waiter wanted me to try a Mother – celeriac, apple, dates and truffle wrapped in a filo parcel but dairy and gluten free. It was a perfect start to my meal and I was delighted to have it foisted upon me… well not exactly foisted, I didn’t need much encouragement. Nigel enjoyed a modern twist on the classic Prawn Cocktail and our guests had the Orkney Scallops served on a pillow of finely shredded leeks. The wine list features some superb English wines and the choice of wines served by the glass is pretty impressive too. (sample a la carte menu)
Foodie Heaven
For our mains we had the Roasted Halibut with pickled radish and dressed crab and Monkfish, perfectly cooked, served on a pillow of finely shredded leeks with delicious Chorizo croquettes. Food was beautifully presented and tasted divine. We had no room left for desserts unfortunately for us, as we watched them being served to other tables and looked fantastic. Our visit was some weeks back, so apart from the classic Adam Handling dishes, much of the menu may have changed along with the season but there are some restaurants where you really can’t go wrong whatever you order and The Loch and the Tyne is one such place. Book early – it took us a while to get a table – good news travels fast and the L&T is definitely a great location for a special treat.
Top Tip
Book early – it took us a while to get a table – good news travels fast and the L&T is definitely a great location for a special treat.
Contact details at the top – see their website for the latest menus and opening times