Having closed for weeks at the start of the year for a major refurbishment, the Saxon Mill has now reopened.

The new contemporary interior has been put together well to create a comfortable, luxury dining space, but without compromising the historic charm of the out-of-town pub.

A firm favourite with local walkers and diners, the Saxon Mills' new menu will also ensure the pub remains as busy as ever.

Packed with a huge range of pub classics - many with a more modern twist - including burgers, steaks and a range of small plates.

On our recent visit we started our meal with the pan-fried scallops, served with crispy prosciutto, thyme veloute, capers and artichoke crisps.

A salty, moorish and succulent start to the meal, the generous portion of scallops were perfectly cooked and paired well with the rest of the dish.

We also opted for the port & cheddar mushrooms - another generous portion oozing with thick, luxurious sauce and served with a fantastic rosemary and sea salt focaccia, which actually stands out as one of the best bits of the meal!

For our mains we both opted for burgers - on one side of the table was the dirty burger. A moist, tender beef patty topped with streaky bacon, cheese, pulled beef, salad and served with fries and the star of the show - the beef dripping sauce. You can't beat it!

Or can you? As on the other side of the table was the buttermilk chicken burger. Again, a lovely moist piece of chicken with ginger slaw, salad, plenty of crispy fries and a gochujang aioli which I will definitely be trying to replicate at home.

All of that was washed down with a crisp pint of Neck Oil and an exceptional Forest Mojito, one of the extensive range of non-alcoholic drinks.

Our evening was finished off with a valrhona chocolate brownie served with amaretti biscuit crumb and bourbon vanilla ice cream which I only just had space for.

Meanwhile my companion had a small rhubarb and strawberry crumble served with a refreshing pot of green tea.

The restaurant was almost full for most of the Thursday evening, which I think speaks for itself! A fantastic evening, with lovely food, in a charming setting. 

Find out more on the website here.