Restaurant review: praise for The Tame Hare is well deserved

Much is made of Leamington's list of renowned chain restaurants but it is the smaller independent gems which help set the town apart in regard to its food and drink offering.
The Tame HareThe Tame Hare
The Tame Hare

The Tame Hare, in Warwick Street, has established itself on that list of restaurants in the town, which continue to endure and endear despite the influx of larger-sized competition.

Opened about a year ago by chef Jonny Mills, formerly of the Mallory Court Hotel and The Cross in Kenilworth, the Tame Hare’s ethos is simple yet effective - to provide good, seasonal, locally-sourced, food in a relaxed environment and for customers to come away knowing they have got good value for their money.

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It’s fine dining but never pretentious, with the price of a three course meal from the evening menu - excluding drinks - about £35.

Date & almond stuffed whole quail, parsley root and braised puy lentils at The Tame Hare in Leamington.Date & almond stuffed whole quail, parsley root and braised puy lentils at The Tame Hare in Leamington.
Date & almond stuffed whole quail, parsley root and braised puy lentils at The Tame Hare in Leamington.

Cooked fresh to order, the restaurant’s menu is refined but varied enough to offer at least one thing most would like.

Each dish is rooted in British tradition but with a unique twist with even the butter served with the pre-starter sour dough bread shaped like a hare.

For my starter I opted for a smoked haddock chowder with leek, potato, apple and celery which was complimented by a dash of caviar to add a little something special to this comforting dish.

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My friend, who I was dining with, had the pork hock with pickled pineapple, black pudding and carrot and was impressed.

Date & almond stuffed whole quail, parsley root and braised puy lentils at The Tame Hare in Leamington.Date & almond stuffed whole quail, parsley root and braised puy lentils at The Tame Hare in Leamington.
Date & almond stuffed whole quail, parsley root and braised puy lentils at The Tame Hare in Leamington.

For our mains we had the date and almond stuffed whole quail and parsley root resting on a bed of puy lentils and a market steak and crispy braised cheek of beef with cauliflower cheese and wild mushrooms - both superb and barely needing the triple cooked chips and wilted greens and roasted garlic butter we ordered as sides even though these were also very tasty.

Deserts were, again, a treat, with my slow roasted apple and raisin ‘crumble’ with a crispy pastry and nutmeg ice cream - a delicate variation of the pudding list staple - doing more than enough to stop me from glaring enviously at the warm chocolate tart with gingerbread parfait and poached apricot.

It’s fair to say my friend and I really enjoyed our meal at the Tame Hare and this was capped off by the friendly service from restaurant manager Danielle serving as the perfect foil for Jonny and his culinary wingman and sous chef Lee as they worked skilfully and diligently from their open kitchen

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And judging by the vast majority of highly positive comments and reviews it is getting on Facebook, The Tame Hare has not only become a great addition to Leamington’s ever-changing restaurant scene but is very much here to stay.

Fore more information about the Tame Hare, visit the restaurant’s Facebook page or click here.