EAT AND DRINK
This is committed farm-to-table dining, tapping into some of the best West Country producers as well as everything that comes straight from the Great Durnford Estate. All of the menus at The Great Bustard are dictated by seasonal ingredients and handle them with thoughtfulness and imagination, from the venison burger in the pub to the honey-glazed cod in the restaurant. Pull up a chair at the table.
RESTAURANT
Talented head chef Jordan Taylor puts the farmers, the producers and the estate centre stage with the restaurant menu, which takes the best elements of modern British food and elevates them further. It’s innovative, considered cooking that, importantly, is unfussy too. And the space itself echoes that sentiment. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows look out past the courtyard to the garden with its old willow trees and wildflowers.
PUB
A proper warm and welcoming country pub for reading the papers in a wingback chair by the fire, for wellies and wagging tails, for a quick drink at the handsome bar as much as for lunch in the beer garden. The straight-up, honest food means the kind of menu where you’ll want to order one of everything – game rillette and pickles, pizza topped with West Country cheese, crispy croquettes and next-level roasts.
COURTYARD
On long summer days, the Courtyard has the most coveted tables, a sun trap looking out onto the blousy hydrangeas, wispy grasses and lavender-filled flower beds beyond. Here the pub menu is served up to tables under the canopy – for shade or to keep off any showers.
DRINKS
The Great Bustard drinks list has been curated with the same passion as the menus. As well as craft beers and artisan local ales, cider and amazing home-infused tinctures by chef Jordan Taylor, there is an extensive and meticulously considered wine list which includes the first year of Otarda red from the family estate in Tuscany (Otarda means Great Bustard in Italian). Don’t miss the opportunity to order rarer bottles from Great Durnford Manor’s own wine cellar.
THE BLACK GROUSE
With its curated artwork, painted panelling and dark wood, The Black Grouse is a really cosy, contemporary room that can host up to 12 around its table. Just off the bar, it still feels connected to the hubbub, but is tucked away enough for a sense of privacy. A great gathering place for family feasts or shooting suppers.
MENUS
Steak & Pizza Menu
Enjoy proper pizzas straight from the wood-fired oven, succulent steaks sourced locally or inventive small plates featuring only the best seasonal ingredients.
Served in the Pub, the Courtyard and the Restaurant on Mondays and Tuesdays only – Lunch and Dinner.
Pub & Restaurant Menu
Passionate about provenance, seasonality and the bare minimum food miles, chef Jordan Taylor gives a fresh take on modern British fine dining.
Served in the Pub, the Courtyard and the Restaurant from Wednesday to Saturday – Lunch and Dinner.
The Sunday Menu
A serious roast with all the trimmings, small plates to start and traditional puddings.
Served in the Pub, the Courtyard and the Restaurant on Sundays.
Children’s Menu
Homemade, healthy, big-hitting favourites for the children.
Served throughout.
OPENING TIMES AND FOOD SERVICE
OPENING TIMES
MONDAY & TUESDAY: 12PM – 10PM
WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY: 12PM – 11PM
SUNDAY: 12PM – 10:30PM
FOOD SERVICE:
MONDAY & TUESDAY
ONLY STEAK AND PIZZA MENU
SERVED LUNCH: 12PM – 2:30PM | DINNER 6PM – 9PM
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
PUB & RESTAURANT MENU SERVED:
LUNCH: 12PM – 2:30PM | DINNER 6PM – 9PM
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
PUB & RESTAURANT MENU SERVED:
LUNCH: 12PM – 3PM | DINNER 6PM – 9:30PM
SUNDAY
ONLY SUNDAY MENU SERVED: 12PM – 8PM
OUR ROOMS
The Great Bustard has 10 beautifully considered bedrooms, two above the pub and a further eight across the courtyard in the elegant outbuildings. Named after indigenous British birds, the rooms have been designed as sophisticated but pared-back retreats. Thick linen and wool curtains frame the windows, sisal rugs top the oak floors. There are super king beds in every room and bathrooms stocked with soaps, shampoos and conditioners. Breakfast is included, with everything from green smoothies and fruit-topped chia seed pudding to scrambled eggs and crumpets. There are two dog-friendly rooms and one accessible bedroom with wheelchair access.