PUBS
The Boot: A perfect village pub
BY ARCHIE CAWTHRA
In November 2022, The Boot opened in the heart of the picturesque Cotswolds village of Barnsley. The Boot, from the team behind London’s The Chelsea Pig by Timothy Oulton, offers a menu of British dishes and six boutique bedrooms, providing a destination spot for visitors to the Cotswolds and locals alike.
Guests to The Boot are met by a roaring open fire and a menu of considered pub classics created by Head Chef John Jewell (previously of Calcot Manor) that uses only the best ingredients. The kitchen champions local suppliers including artisan beef from Paddock Farm Butchery and seasonal vegetables grown in Barnsley.
The all-day menu starts with dishes of Montgomery cheddar cheese soufflé with Wiltshire autumn truffle and Beef tartare with mustard sauce and game chips. For mains, highlights include Buscot Park venison pie with smoked mash; and Gloucestershire Old Spot pork chop served with Hawkestone cider sauce and celeriac slaw; and the signature Beef Wellington, served for two and embellished with a pastry boot, served with truffle mash, portobello mushrooms and Barnsley seasonal greens. Desserts include hot chocolate and amaretto pudding with salted caramel ice cream; and Barnsley pear and berry crumble.
To drink, there’s a selection of premium wines and classic beers, served in bespoke ‘The Boot’ Wentworth Pewter Tankards. Or guests can enjoy a signature Barnsley Boot cocktail which mixes locally-made sloe and mulberry gin with vodka, ginger beer with a dash of lemon juice and grenadine. On Sundays guests can settle in to enjoy a roast with a choice of Gloucestershire pork belly with Barnsley apple sauce; Beef rump steak and horseradish cream; or Cotswold chicken with traditional bread sauce - each served with all the trimmings. Also on offer are dishes of burnt cauliflower dressed with pomegranate, salsa verde and tahini; and cider battered day boat cod and chips with house-made tartare sauce.
In addition to the 70 covers inside, during the warmer months guests can soak up the sun on the garden terrace where there are a further 60 covers. Heading up the front of house is General Manager and Cotswolds local Henry Lascelles.
Interiors of the 17th century building have been refreshed by Timothy Oulton Studio, with many of the original features remaining. Reclaimed Turkish timber fitted throughout the pub and exposed Cotswolds stone walls compliment a mix of antique wooden furniture and plush leather seating in keeping with the picturesque setting. Timothy Oulton Studio has curated its largest collection of rare antiques to date at The Boot. Most notable is a striking late 20th century hippopotamus skull, mounted on a shield complete with tusks and teeth in exceptional condition. Other pieces include a variety of artworks spanning the last three centuries which are showcased throughout. Upstairs, the six double bedrooms are spacious and benefit from natural light. Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom finished with products from Land & Water.
