Cowpers Oak Garden Dining
We are really excited to be open again and thought we would create a special page to give you a full update of what we have been up to during lockdown. Before we do, a big ‘thank you’ to those of you close enough to use our takeaway service during lockdown … your support was really appreciated and we hope you are now enjoying the new freedoms.
Our offer is so much more that just ‘garden dining’, as we have added some little extras that will make the garden experience unique and have undertaken some big restructuring based on our last year’s experience and your kind feedback to us.
So we will start with the overall picture and then give you a little ‘behind the scenes’ info. on each area. We hope that you will find this interesting and it will set your expectations for your visit.
We are really looking forward to seeing you all over the coming days, so why not Book Now.
Debbie, Joe and the Cowpers team
The 'Helicoptor' View
'Behind the Scenes'
The Garden Kitchen
Although the Garden Kitchen was created last summer, much of the food was still served from our main kitchen at the back of the pub. Our upgrades during lockdown mean that the Garden Kitchen is now fully functional and meals for the garden will be prepared there. This avoids our staff constantly making the long walk to the kitchen and reduces the wait for you our wonderful customers … I guess that’s what they call a ‘win-win’!
The Garden Bar
Similar to the Garden Kitchen the Garden Bar was born out of the need to be able to provide a wet service on the edge of the Garden Dining Area. Whilst the image is a mock up and the exterior is still work in progress, the coolers are already in and the pumps are due to be fitted next week. We have installed six pumps in the Garden Bar and are serving two ales, two lagers, Guinness and cider from this bar along with our normal range of wines and spirits.
The Ice Cream Parlour
During lockdown we have invested in a display freezer for Soft Scoop ice cream and a Carpigiani Soft Whip ice cream machine for the summer. We will be stocking Rossa Ice Cream. Rossa has been creating authentic Italian gelato ice cream since 1896 when the Boccarossa family settled in Leicestershire after moving from Antica in the Apennine Mountains of Italy. Enjoy!
Popcorn
We thought popcorn would make a great addition to the the garden experience. The machine has arrived, but as you can see, we haven’t unwrapped it yet. Like many things it’s work in progress so we have a few long hours ahead of us to get ourselves ready for your arrival.
Marquee Dining
Our new 15 x 12 metre marquee is on site and is going up at the weekend. This will provide ample dining away from the elements. We will also use it for functions and events in the future. Initially we will use about 50% of its capacity and leave some panels open to allow air to circulate freely.
Pergola Dining
Much loved last year, when this picture was taken, we have now upgraded the pergola with side panels which will remain up in fine weather, but offer protection in inclement conditions. The Pergola has four, much sought after, tables.
Gazebo Dining
This year we have three Gazebos to provide shade or a refuge from the rain. They are already up and waiting for you. Each houses a table for six and they are conveniently situated close to the play area for families with children
Children’s Play Area
Now fully fenced following your suggestions last year, the play equipment has been newly painted by your Chef Dan during lockdown! So it’s just waiting for the ‘little ones’ to turn up and get playing while you relax with a cool beer or wine. That said, please keep an eye on your children while they are playing.
Garden Food
Following its success last summer we continued to offer BBQ style food in the Restaurant and as a Takeaway offering when we were closed during lockdowns.
This year we will again offer this style of food which remains extremely popular and is obviously very appropriate for garden dining. We do have many other offerings on our menu, so we can accommodate all tastes not just the ‘Shires Cowboys’.
When we re-open the menu will be very similar to last year and we will make incremental additions as we get ‘back into the routine’. For those of you couldn’t get enough of our home made cowboy beans these will be a standard offering when we re-open.
Over the winter we invested in an American rotisserie which will be in operation in the Garden Kitchen, you won’t be able to miss it … it’s quite large! This will allow us to extend our offer.
So keep watching the Website and Facebook for updates.
… or just Book Now , we’d love to see you again
