Anyone for Squirrel?

ANYONE FOR SQUIRREL?
March 2010: One of England’s oldest public houses, The Valiant Trooper in Aldbury, Hertfordshire, is refining its food menu to include traditional and unusual cuts of meat and fish which were commonplace on banqueting tables centuries ago.

The pub is in an idyllic rural setting and is tapping into its own heritage by challenging and encouraging customers to rediscover England’s country food. The 17th century cottages that comprise the Valiant Trooper have always served as alehouses and pub name was acquired because the Duke of Wellington met his troops here to discuss tactics.

While today’s customer is acquainted with breasts, fillets, shoulders and shanks, the Valiant Trooper is now offering customers blades, collars, trotters and cheeks. The chef, Steve Mason, grew up in the local area and enthuses: “We have been working hard on developing dishes that would have been served back in the early 19th century and using cuts of meat that deliver terrific flavour. I want to go back to the wild.”

Examples from the new menu include:
- Local Ashridge squirrel braised with leeks and thyme gravy, served on mash
- Slow-roasted collar of pork served with Bubble ‘n’ Squeak
- Jugged local hare with crushed new potatoes
- Fresh handmade faggots with creamy mash
- Braised pig trotters with a sage gravy
- Cornish conger eel with a tomato and saffron sauce
- Blade of English beef with Trooper Ale gravy
The menu is available now and main courses are priced between £9 and £14. The menu will change seasonally.