Epping Forest Guardian - Grubwatch review May 2005.
IF someone gives you a horseshoe, you are supposed to nail it on the wall and expect it to bring you good luck, but choosing from the comprehensive menu at The Horseshoes country pub and dining room in Upshire is not simply a matter of luck, the food is all very good. Chef Mike Norman, who took over the running of the Horseshoes, just over a month ago, has already made his mark on the kitchen. Mr Norman prides himself on changing the menu daily, depending on the quality and freshness of meats and fish on offer. His quest for excellence certainly pays off because the range of starters and mail meals on offer would rival any West End restaurant. Situated in Horsehoe Hill, in Upshire Village, the venue has an old world charm and the country-style bar area effortlessly combines with the more modern decor in the cosy dining room. The evening menu included cream of spring vegetable soup - deliciously garnished with crisp fried laces' of turnip and onion. For my main course I chose grilled pork chop with smoked cheese and mustard potato bake and apple and cream sauce, a long name for a yummy dish. My companion chose the garlic mushrooms with garlic bread, a large dish of large mushrooms and dreamy sauce, as a starter and went traditional with pan fried fillet steak, tomato, mushrooms, chips and onion rings for his main course. A small helping of cherry pie for me and a large strawberry trifle plus ice cream for him, and the evening was complete. All the food was served in large gleaming white china plates and dishes, which complemented the chunky wooden tables and a selection of interesting' chairs, and wide wooden framed mirrors. Weekday menus include classic fish pie, Thai curry with noodles and rack of lamb with garlic mash. For Sunday lunch try roast beef and two veg, grilled vegetarian sausages, and whiskey bread and butter pudding. At a cost of just over £30, including a couple of drinks, you would have to go a long way to beat the Horseshoes.
The Horseshoes country pub & dining room
Horseshoe Hill
Upshire Village
Essex
EN9 3SN
Tel: 01992 712 745