Bel & The Dragon Cookham – Reviewed

Looking for a Summer getaway? You may want to see what Bel & The Dragon Cookham has to offer!

Cookham itself is an idyllic example of a beautiful British village. Each property oozes history, elegance and class. In fact, Bel & The Dragon Cookham is one of the oldest coaching inns in the whole of the country, with roots that reach over 600 years. Renovated in 2010, the property combines classic, charming property features, such low ceilings and slanting floors, with modern touches. It’s the perfect setting for what would be an almost perfect visit.

Dining

For us, it was the cuisine that shone most brightly during our stay. The menu is modern British with a focus on sustainable, local and high-quality ingredients. It’s also worth noting that there is an open kitchen, allowing for an insight into how the kitchen operates on a busy evening!

Ideal to start a Summer meal, my partner sampled the marinated beetroot & burrata, with

Basil pesto and toasted pine nuts. Delicate, fresh and an aesthetic treat, this was refined dish. Taking on one of the specials, another hit came in the form of a shelled crab, with hunks of freshly baked bread. A contrast to the beetroot dish, this was rustic and enjoyably so!

Roasted Gressingham duck breast caught my eye for mains. The succellent, perfectly cooked duck came accompanied by fresh pak choi and a sweet homemade fig jam to cut through the duck. Really well balanced, ‘moreish’ and simply delicious! We also opted for the marinated fillet steak cooked in a Josper Grill, which was one of the priciest options on the menu at £33. Although, tender and beautifully cooked, we did lack a little oomph from the marinade, which was a little disappointing.  All of this was then finished off with a Summer favourite, a gloriously indulgent eton mess with all the trimmings!

You should also consider this destination for Summer, there is also an expansive outdoor terrace, where you can recline with a glass of wine in hand and enjoy the blazing Summer sun.

Sleeping

It’s not all great food and wine at the Bel & The Dragon Cookham, as they also host 5 authentically styled rooms, each complete with enough modern comforts! For the colder months there is also underfloor heating for that extra element of comfort.

Our room was a bit of a mixed bag. On the plus side, it was very comfortable, clean, spacious and the complimentary smellies are fantastic. However, we also were left a little hot, due to a window in the bedroom which barely opened to deliver enough air. If it got hot outside, this would become a bit of a problem. Only a small thing and one that you would expect in a period property, however, it was still a little uncomfortable.

Breakfast was however sublime and offered another glimpse of the inn’s fantastic food.

To find out more about Bel & The Dragon Cookham, click here.