CityLife

Rams Head

IT isn't usual for a pub to be overly concerned about the environment, though I've often thought if you could tap the hot air that rises from the huddle of drinkers at a bar, Russia would have no need to lay those extra gas pipelines.

But The Rams Head is certainly doing its bit. The pub generates its own power and any excess goes to the National Grid.

It uses an LPG converted vehicle to source produce locally for its kitchen, any used cooking oil is recycled to produce fuel oil, and waste glass and cardboard are recycled.

But it is no hair-shirt operation. A £500,000 refurbishment early last year created spacious, traditional interior, with wood panelling and exposed brickwork that didn't scare the neighbours near the pub's historic setting.

Young but knowledgeable

The Rams Head was built in 1893 and sits on a cobbled street next to 12th-century St Wilfred's Church and there is an exposed well near the bar, which pre-dates the building, that has been glassed over and made into a feature.

The young but knowledgeable bar staff served up six real ales, two of which change each month.

The oft-seen regulars of Deuchars IPA, Pedigree, Spitfire and Cumberland Ale are joined in June by two quaffable summer ales: Adnams Regatta and a honey-tinged, golden brew called Waggle Dance, from Bedford brewery Wells and Young's.

There is also a decent wine list, including organic ones.

Underwhelming appetisers

The menu changes each season and there are light bites and inventive starters but we shared a couple of underwhelming 'appetisers': skewered tempura vegetables and a chilli dip (£3.25), and mozzarella and tomato salsa bruschetta (£3.45).

Mains were more accomplished, though diners with a hearty appetite would have to add side orders, chips (£1.95) or seasonal veg (£2.50), and that pushes the food into the restaurant price bracket.

There was a delicate smoke to my poached haddock fillets (£12.95) which rested on a moist black pudding potato cake next to wilted greens and a subtle mustard sauce. 

Excellent choice

The above-average children's menu includes Mediterranean tortilla wraps (£3.95), cheeseburger and chips (£4.50) and lemon tart with vanilla cream (£2.25).

There is an excellent choice of vegetarian meals and my meat-eating partner could not resist the pair of caramelised onion tarts, eggy and packed with flavour, which came with a rocket salad (£6.95). Good for the palate and the environment. 

Church Lane, Grappenhall, Cheshire, WA4 3EP (01925-262814).
 

Tweet