THE RICH motoring heritage of the region has a very welcome new member – and a very tasty one at that.
Birmingham and Coventry are synonymous with the 20th century heyday of car manufacturing in this country, while the likes of Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin continue to fly the flag today, and the history of the industry is also recorded on the doorstep at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon.
And those with a passion for all things automotive can now set the sat nav to another south Warwickshire destination – The Piston Club @ The Stag, on the road between Stratford and Alcester.
This unique venue at Redhill is the brainchild of the owners of Power Maxed Racing, a multi-race winning team in the British Touring Car championship, who are based locally.
Step over the threshold and you’re met with wall to wall automobillia, from vintage Haynes repair manuals and historic posters to a helmet worn by F1 legend James Hunt and even former world speedway champion Tai Woffinden’s actual bike.
There’s something which catches the eye at every turn of the head and it’s all done with great taste. Add to the fact The Piston Club also hosts classic car meets, auto jumbles, race screenings, themed quiz nights, and this really is petrol head heaven.
But brakes on a moment. What about those who may not be motoring mad? While it just happens that The Piston Club is first and foremost a stylish and comfortable country pub with a warm relaxed vibe, which also boasts a first class menu, offering classic hearty pub fare to refined culinary creations.
The Stag has long been a fixture of south Warwickshire life – the coach house which during its 500 year history has also served as the court house and prison for nearby Stratford, as well as a popular hostelry.
The Piston Club is writing a new chapter in that long history which will ensure it remains a popular destination.
The menu has clearly been created by someone who knows and understands food, and who also has a clear passion for it
No corners are cut here. Quality ingredients and produce shine in starters such as Poxon’s Black Country Black Pudding Scotch Egg, served with Kholrabi, Apple and Watercress, and the simply stunning English Heritage Tomatoes, with Burrata, cheese, Caramelised Seeds and Chilli Jam.
Mains are served with equal aplomb and inventiveness. Perfectly cooked Roast Fillet Of Brixham Cod, married with Butternut Squash, Brown Shrimp, Lime And Toasted Sesame Butter Sauce, while the Tempura Seabass is in equally fine company with Sweet Potato Parmentier, Crushed Peas and a Thai Dressing.
The Slow Cooked Packington Pork Belly – with Smoked Potatoes, Collar Croquette and Toffee Apple Puree – served on a neighbouring table looked no less appetizing.
And leave room for a dessert, or miss out on treats including Warm Almond Cake, Poached Peach and Henley Honey Mascarpone, or the Dark Chocolate Whipped Ganache with Honeycomb and Raspberries.
Drinks-wise, customers can choose from a carefully selected wine list to handcrafted cocktails, which continue the motoring theme, the likes of a V8 Old Fashioned or a Gearhead Martini.
And a mention must go to the staff, who deliver service which is friendly and attentive without being overbearing.
Life has not been easy for the great British pub in recent years but the future is looking good for The Stag which, on the strength of our visit, should see many motoring along to The Piston Club.
Visit thepistonclub.co.uk for further details.
