Eating habits have definitely changed over the last few decades in the great British pub.
Traditionalists are still well catered for, and it’s unlikely that classics like fish and chips, steak and kidney pie and sausage and mash will disappear from menus anytime soon.
But palates are being broadened, with Katsu and multiple burger options enticing diners looking for something a little bit different.
The wind of culinary change is now blowing through Wrecclesham as visitors to the Bear & Ragged Staff will have noticed big changes.
The pub hole now offers an impressive taste of the Orient with dishes from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia among the many on offer.
Justin Mugridge and Donna Ockenden are the pair who are serving up a Pan-Asian treat as their Shinsen ii restaurant opened in late August.
People from Bordon should know what to expect as Justin has been a mainstay at The Shed since its early days as he’s the culinary maestro at Siam Oishi.
But after nearly three years of serving up Oriental street food in East Hampshire, his latest venture has a focus on sit-down dining.
“Our place in The Shed is about street food, whilst this is a bit more about serving meals,” said head chef Justin.
“We’ve rented the kitchen and we’re running the restaurant and it’s been really fun so far,” said Donna.
“We’ve had some great feedback so far and we’re just really trying to push this place for dining.”
“When you go through Farnham, you’ll see there’s places to eat Thai food, sushi, or have a Chinese meal,” added Justin.
“We do Pan Asian, so you’re not limited to one cuisine. We’re trying to bring something a bit different to the table by doing Pan Asian and offering a range.”
Fish lovers can still tuck into sushi while Thai curry, noodle dishes, Katsu and Massaman curry are just a sample of the dishes visitors can expect. There’s also a Pan Asian twist to desserts with Mochi on the menu.
The signature dish comes from Korea as the sticky, sweet, umami-rich Gochujang chicken is delicious with its aftertaste offering a lovely hit of heat.
“It’s something that Justin and I have created together,” said Donna, adding: “We call it GC and it’s been so popular. Everyone seems to really love it.”
The BRS still has a pool table and big screen TV, so sports fans remain well catered for, but there’s definitely scope for dining alongside. Like most best things, it was only by chance that Justin learned about the kitchen opportunity on a passing visit but it’s proved a risk worth taking so far.
“I think if you do traditional food well then it’s great and there’s nothing wrong with that,” said Justin in reflecting how tastes have changed.
“But the food we do, we do it really well, and there’s no reason why it can’t work in a place like the Bear & Ragged Staff.”
For more details call 01252 444144 or look for Shinsen ii on Facebook.
