Creative Food at The Angel Restaurant, Long Crendon

We had cycled through Long Crendon several weeks ago on a southern circuit of Oxford - we were looking for the signposts to turn right towards Shabbington and in their absence, I decided to ask for directions at this restaurant! Outside, it looked like a classic coaching inn, evolved into a country gastro pub. But inside, it became clear this was no pub - the food smells and ambience were of a different order! So, it took us a few weeks to find the right occasion to return, for saturday evening dinner. I loved the way we started with an aperitif and olives in the brown leather couches in the front reception room, it what might have been the old bar. The matching pillows and curtains subtlely combined pink and green dots and stripes. We were then taken to our table as the entrees were served - we had decided on seafood and meat tapas platters to share. With 4 different surprises on each platter, this was like a culinary discovery of tastes, textures and temperatures. Despite an impressive printed menu, we decided from the 6 fish specials on the blackboard menu. I chose a trio of salmon, sea bass and prawn, presented with warm asparagus and beans in a tasty creamy white wine sauce. The grilled mullet was equally impressive and was complemented by another sauce. It is obvious that the selection and preparation of quality food is taken seriously by this restaurant. The many small rooms of this old inn also provide a variety of small and intimate rooms for enjoying a great meal.