Pub keeps its food local

9:15am Thursday 1st June 2006

A ST ALBANS pub has become more of a "local" than ever, sourcing all its pub grub from nearby producers.

Under new management, the Hare and Hounds in Sopwell Lane is getting all its meat and veg and even the logs for its fire from local farms and nurseries.

New landlord Peter Macaskill and chef Rohan Gordon make regular trips to suppliers in the pub's liveried Land Rover to find the best cuts.

The two dreamed up the idea of serving local food in the a pub when they worked together in a Wandsworth pub two years ago.

Mr Macaskill said: "We are not a gastropub. We simply provide good food, sourced locally, for our customers and they keep coming back for more.

"For example the traditional Sunday roast is still top of the menu. And we have a good selection of nice wines to go with the food."

Mr Rohan, who previously worked with celebrity chef Iain Hewitson in Australia, added: "I love going out to the local farms and nurseries to see what is on offer and what is in season. If I see something I like we buy it.

"I get a real kick out of cooking this way. We make a point out of not buying frozen food or pre-packed meals which are just heated up and served over the counter.

"Everything from the soup to the sweet is cooked in the kitchen by me.

"And the proof is in the pudding; every plate that comes back into the kitchen is clean."

Since taking over the pub last December, the landlord has tried to create a relaxed atmosphere, bringing back into use the original inglenook fireplace.

Customers can sit back in a sofa or armchair while reading the local and national newspapers, which are delivered daily.

Plans are now being drawn up to landscape the large garden and create a family-friendly summer space.