The Brushmakers, Upham, 28th June 2018
We had visited this excellent pub in Upham on two previous occasions and as it is ideal to include a summer walk, five of us set off from Bishops Waltham on an extremely hot day. The walk is approximately 3.5 miles along farm tracks, country lanes and through woodland, which gave us much welcomed shade. On arrival we met up with the other two from our group who had decided not to brave the hot conditions.
Needing refreshment after the walk we were pleased to find 4 beers to choose from on handpump:
Flack Manor Double Drop -3.7%, Bowman Yumi - 3.9%, Upham Punter - 4% and Cheriton Pots Goodens Gold - 4.8%.
We started with the lower gravity beers which were in very good condition and the perfect temperature for a hot day ( a good cellar).
The pie on offer was to be a surprise and we were delighted to find out that it was to be a Rabbit and Tarragon pie, with no cheese for our non cheese eating colleague! The pie which had been traditionally made in a shallow pie tin was served with mashed potatoes, peas and carrots. The pastry was thin and crispy and the filling was succulent and very tasty. It did not arrive with the jug of gravy on the side, just as we like it, but this was soon rectified when requested by one of the group.
A few of us still had room for a pudding of pannacota before walking back to Bishops Waltham.
Scores (max of 5 in each category, 25 overall)
- Pastry 4.46
- Filling 4.88
- Beer 4.62
- Ambience 4.57
- Value 4.58
- Total 23.11
An excellent score for the Brushmakers in a year which is turning out to be full of very high quality pies. Many thanks to all at the Brushmakers for their hospitality and providing an excellent lunch.
