Step into The Shire Gastropub, where culinary craftsmanship meets a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy countryside retreat. The menu here is a celebration of locally sourced ingredients, expertly prepared dishes, and innovative twists on classic flavors.
Whether you’re a fan of hearty comfort food or seeking something a bit more refined, The Shire offers an array of choices that promise to delight every palate. The thoughtfully curated selection balances tradition with creativity, reflecting both seasonal availability and the chef’s passion for quality.
From the first bite, it’s clear that The Shire Gastropub places a premium on freshness and flavor. The kitchen team works tirelessly to ensure every dish is not only satisfying but also tells a story of the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
Each plate is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, crafted to evoke the spirit of community and celebration. Guests are invited to explore the menu’s diversity, from vibrant starters to decadent desserts, all paired beautifully with an extensive beverage list.
Dining at The Shire is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together over exceptional food and conviviality. Whether you join for a casual lunch or a special evening out, the menu’s versatility accommodates every occasion.
The gastropub’s commitment to sustainable sourcing and mindful preparation shines through every offering, making it a destination for both food lovers and conscientious diners alike.
Starters and Small Plates
The Shire Gastropub’s starters and small plates are designed to awaken the appetite and set the tone for the meal ahead. These dishes showcase the freshest ingredients, prepared with an emphasis on bold flavors and visual appeal.
Ideal for sharing or enjoying individually, the starters offer a perfect balance of lightness and richness.
Highlights include house-made charcuterie boards featuring artisan meats and cheeses sourced from local producers. Each board is thoughtfully composed to provide a variety of textures and tastes, complemented by homemade pickles and seasonal chutneys.
For those seeking something lighter, the menu offers vibrant salads and creative vegetable dishes that celebrate the best of the season’s harvest.
The kitchen’s expertise shines through in the preparation of seafood starters, such as pan-seared scallops served with a delicate pea purée and crispy pancetta. These dishes demonstrate a keen attention to detail and a commitment to elevating simple ingredients to new heights.
Popular Starters
- Charcuterie Board: Selection of cured meats, artisan cheeses, homemade pickles, and chutneys
- Pan-Seared Scallops: Served with pea purée and crispy pancetta
- Heirloom Tomato Salad: Mixed heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, burrata, and balsamic reduction
- Wild Mushroom Arancini: Crispy risotto balls with truffle aioli dipping sauce
“The starters at The Shire invite you on a culinary journey, blending rustic charm with refined technique to create unforgettable first impressions.”
Main Courses
The main courses at The Shire Gastropub are the centerpiece of the dining experience, offering a diverse range of options that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. From perfectly cooked meats to innovative vegetarian creations, each dish reflects the chef’s dedication to seasonal ingredients and balanced flavor profiles.
Signature meat dishes include the slow-braised lamb shank, which falls tenderly off the bone and is accompanied by roasted root vegetables and a rich red wine jus. The gastropub also offers a succulent grass-fed ribeye steak, expertly grilled to order and served with hand-cut chips and a choice of sauces.
For poultry lovers, the pan-roasted free-range chicken breast with wild mushroom sauce remains a perennial favorite.
Vegetarian and vegan diners are equally well catered for with options like the roasted cauliflower steak, topped with tahini dressing and toasted seeds, or the hearty vegetable and lentil shepherd’s pie, which reimagines a traditional classic with plant-based ingredients.
These dishes prove that The Shire’s menu is inclusive without compromising on flavor or creativity.
Comparative Meat Dishes
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Cooking Method | Accompaniments |
| Slow-Braised Lamb Shank | Lamb shank, root vegetables | Braising | Red wine jus, roasted vegetables |
| Grass-Fed Ribeye Steak | Ribeye steak | Grilling | Hand-cut chips, sauce selection |
| Pan-Roasted Chicken Breast | Free-range chicken, wild mushrooms | Pan-roasting | Wild mushroom sauce, seasonal greens |
Seafood Specialties
The Shire Gastropub’s seafood offerings highlight the freshest catches, sourced sustainably to ensure both quality and environmental responsibility. These dishes are crafted to enhance the natural flavors of the ocean’s bounty, often paired with complementary herbs, spices, and seasonal produce.
One standout is the grilled sea bass, served atop a bed of fennel and citrus salad, which provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fish. The beer-battered fish and chips is a nod to traditional pub fare, elevated by a light, crisp batter and accompanied by homemade tartar sauce and mushy peas.
For those seeking something more exotic, the curried mussels simmered in coconut broth offer a delightful blend of spice and creaminess.
Each seafood dish is prepared with care to preserve texture and freshness, ensuring a memorable dining experience that honors the gastropub’s commitment to excellence.
Seafood Highlights
- Grilled Sea Bass: Fennel and citrus salad, lemon dressing
- Beer-Battered Fish and Chips: Homemade tartar sauce, mushy peas
- Curried Mussels: Coconut broth, fresh herbs
- Smoked Salmon Crostini: Cream cheese, capers, dill on toasted baguette
“Sustainability and flavor go hand-in-hand at The Shire, where every seafood dish is a testament to responsible sourcing and culinary artistry.”
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
The Shire Gastropub takes pride in offering an impressive selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes that are as flavorful and satisfying as their meat-based counterparts. These options showcase the versatility of plant-based ingredients and the chef’s inventive approach to menu design.
Seasonal vegetables are transformed into hearty mains, such as the roasted beetroot and quinoa salad, bursting with color and texture. The vegan mushroom stroganoff, made with creamy coconut milk and served over herbed rice, provides a comforting and robust alternative to classic cream-based dishes.
Additionally, the lentil and vegetable shepherd’s pie is a nourishing choice that appeals to both vegans and omnivores alike.
Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to ensure balance and depth of flavor, proving that plant-based eating at The Shire is never dull or compromised.
Plant-Based Favorites
- Roasted Beetroot and Quinoa Salad: Mixed greens, citrus dressing
- Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff: Coconut milk, herbed rice
- Lentil and Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie: Mashed potato topping, seasonal vegetables
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Zucchini, bell peppers, aubergine, chimichurri sauce
Desserts
To conclude the meal on a sweet note, The Shire Gastropub offers a tempting selection of desserts that marry traditional favorites with modern flair. These indulgences are designed to satisfy varied tastes, from rich and decadent to light and refreshing.
The sticky toffee pudding, a signature dessert, is moist and flavorful, served with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. For those preferring fruit-based sweets, the seasonal berry crumble combines tartness and sweetness beneath a buttery, golden crust.
Chocolate enthusiasts will appreciate the flourless chocolate cake, dense and fudgy, accompanied by raspberry coulis and whipped cream.
Each dessert is crafted to provide a perfect balance of texture and taste, leaving guests with a memorable finale to their dining experience.
Dessert Selections
- Sticky Toffee Pudding: Caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream
- Seasonal Berry Crumble: Buttery crust, fresh berries
- Flourless Chocolate Cake: Raspberry coulis, whipped cream
- Apple and Cinnamon Tart: Shortcrust pastry, clotted cream
“Desserts at The Shire are the perfect harmony of indulgence and comfort, designed to delight the senses and complete your meal with a smile.”
Beverage Pairings
The Shire Gastropub’s beverage menu complements the food offerings with a thoughtfully curated selection of wines, craft beers, and artisanal cocktails. Each drink is chosen to enhance the flavors of the dishes, creating a seamless dining experience from start to finish.
For wine lovers, the list features a variety of reds, whites, and rosés sourced from renowned vineyards both locally and internationally. The wine menu highlights options that pair well with specific dishes, guiding guests to perfect combinations that elevate every bite.
Craft beer enthusiasts can enjoy a rotating selection of local brews, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers, carefully chosen for their quality and character.
The cocktail menu showcases inventive drinks made with fresh ingredients and house-made syrups. Signature cocktails such as the Shire Mule and Elderflower Spritz provide refreshing choices that complement the gastropub’s rustic yet refined ambiance.
Beverage Recommendations
| Dish | Recommended Wine | Craft Beer | Cocktail Pairing |
| Slow-Braised Lamb Shank | Cabernet Sauvignon | Robust Stout | Old Fashioned |
| Grilled Sea Bass | Sauvignon Blanc | Light Pilsner | Elderflower Spritz |
| Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff | Chardonnay | Amber Ale | Shire Mule |
Seasonal and Specials Menu
The Shire Gastropub regularly updates a specials menu to reflect the best seasonal produce and innovative culinary ideas. This dynamic selection allows the kitchen to experiment with new flavors and offer guests fresh, exciting dishes beyond the regular offerings.
Seasonal specials often highlight rare or limited-availability ingredients, providing a unique dining experience that changes with the calendar. Recent specials have included wild game dishes in the autumn and light, vibrant salads in the summer months.
These dishes are crafted with the same care and attention to detail as the core menu, ensuring consistency in quality.
Guests are encouraged to inquire about the current specials, as these offerings provide an opportunity to taste exclusive creations and enjoy the evolving culinary landscape at The Shire.
“Our specials menu is a reflection of nature’s rhythms and our chef’s creativity, inviting diners to savor the unexpected and the exceptional.”
Conclusion
The Shire Gastropub’s menu is a thoughtfully curated journey through the flavors of the region, elevated by expert technique and a passion for quality ingredients. Every section of the menu—from starters to desserts—demonstrates a commitment to freshness, balance, and memorable dining experiences.
The combination of traditional favorites with inventive dishes ensures there is something to satisfy every guest, whether they seek comfort, adventure, or simply great food.
By embracing sustainability and local sourcing, The Shire not only supports the community but also guarantees that each bite is infused with authenticity and care. The beverage pairings further enhance the meal, creating harmony between food and drink that lingers long after the last taste.
Seasonal specials keep the menu vibrant and dynamic, reflecting the ever-changing bounty of nature and the chef’s evolving creativity.
Ultimately, The Shire Gastropub is more than a place to eat—it’s a place to connect, celebrate, and savor moments with friends and family. Its menu is an invitation to explore, enjoy, and appreciate the art of gastropub dining at its finest.
