It has been announced that Chef Dom Robinson has taken ownership and management of The Blackbird. This traditional country pub located in Bagnor, which is a hamlet near Newbury in Berkshire. The Chef, with the help of family and friends have been working to give the pub a refurbishment. Now the long overdue transformation is complete, Dom has gone back into the kitchen to do what he does best and create amazing food to serve to the guests of the newly opened pub.
Opening The Blackbird has been a true labour of love for Dom and has led to him fulfilling his lifelong ambition of owning his own restaurant. Dom Robinson has worked with the likes of Tom Aikens, Anthony Demetre and Adam Byatt. For the menu of his new restaurant, Dom’s approach is ‘back to basics’ while being ingredient and seasonal led. The ingredients used in the menu are all locally sourced and prepared with classical techniques. It is the intention of the Chef and owner that everything at The Blackbird is done perfectly, with cooking that keeps food simple with a focus on flavour.
The food offers the diners at the Blackbird an authentic British Gastropub experience, which is wholesome and available at affordable prices. The concise seasonal menu features starters such as Ravioli of Kennet crayfish with buttered leeks. Dom uses French cooking techniques throughout the menu, in particular the dessert section, with dishes such as tarte a l’orange with chocolate sorbet and chocolate fondant with mulled quince and pistachio ice cream.
The interior of the pub has many of its original features still intact, such as wood and tile flooring. These original features have been complimented with a range of antique furniture as well as unique pieces of art featuring landscapes of the local area. The Blackbird has something for everyone to enjoy and can bring people from all walks of life together.