An image of 2 customers being served food with various drinks within the interior restaurant seating area at a Chef & Brewer venue.

Discover Perfect Pairings for Winter with pub food at Chef & Brewer

With the days growing shorter and the weather gaining that frosty chill, it’s the perfect time for hearty pub food and cosy comfort. So why not discover perfect pairings for the season with our winter menu at Chef & Brewer? 

Our dedicated chefs work hard to create a menu filled with classic plates and seasonal sensations that truly delight. From creation to kitchen, every detail is considered, and our bar staff are on hand to keep your thirst quenched throughout with a drink

But there’s more to a meal than mere replenishment. There's something truly magical about the harmony of a delicious dish with a satisfying sip. A delicate dance where the flavours perfectly entwine to elevate each bite. 

Everyone has their preferences, but at Chef & Brewer, we believe there are some perfect pairings that can turn a meal into a real moment.  

The interior restaurant seating area with wooden tables, upholstered seats, wooden beams, and fireplace, at the Smiths Arms pub in Beckwithshaw.

Discover the joy of winter at Chef & Brewer

Our welcoming collection of cosy countryside pubs offers the perfect retreat, all-year-long. Visit us on a sunny summer’s day and unwind in one of our spacious beer gardens, where you can breathe in the fresh country air and relax to the soothing sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves.  

Spring brings fresh blossoms and lighter evenings, while autumn means crunchy leaves underfoot and hearty meals to make you feel cosy. Not to mention winter, when our inns feel enchanting with roaring fires and twinkly lights.  

Our generous menu is also filled with delicious dishes to delight, whether it’s breakfastlunch or dinner. Enjoy classic comfort on a plate, from juicy burgers to filling pies and Sunday roasts with all the trimmings.  

And you don’t need alcohol to enjoy it all. Our well-stocked bars include a wide selection of low and no alcohol options, so everyone can toast to a great time.  

Discover perfect pairings for every plate 

 

The right drink can really draw out the flavours of a dish. From stunning starters to decadent desserts, here are our top picks for the ultimate dining pairings. 

A Non-Gluten Containing Ingredients creamy garlic mushrooms starter, served on a plate which sits on a wooden table.

Creamy Garlic Mushrooms with a Sauvignon Blanc

This is a rich and comforting starter that's full of flavour without feeling too heavy. The grilled flat field mushrooms are cooked with a wild garlic butter and served alongside toasted sourdough with a creamy garlic sauce. A crisp white wine would be the perfect choice for this dish, with the sharp acidity cutting through the creaminess without overpowering the overall flavour. The Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a New Zealand wine with notes of citrus and crunchy green fruit, as well as tropical guava on the nose. It's £9.50 for a large glass or you could get the whole bottle for £25.50. 

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Lamb Shank Shepherd's Pie with an Organic Shiraz

When it comes to winter comfort food, you can't get more classic than a Shepherd's Pie. And our offering boasts an eight-hour slow-cooked lamb shank for melt-in-your-mouth bites. The creamy mash is topped with a Blackstone Vintage Cheddar for a flavourful crust, and served with buttered greens.  

A Shiraz is a beautiful wine for lamb as it's full-bodied and has a pepperiness that can complement the richness of the meat. The Battle of Bosworth Puritan is an organic Shiraz from Australia, and has a vibrant and juicy taste. It's a great wine for the table, too, with a bottle just £25.* 

An exterior shot of a main burger dish served at Chef & Brewer venues.

A Signature Burger with a Pale Ale

Whether you opt for a fork and knife or prefer your hands when you sink your teeth in, a juicy burger is a mouthwatering main that's pure indulgence. Our Signature Burger features a hand-pressed beef patty topped with slow-roasted beef rib braised in Merlot and served with a rich beef dipping gravy.  

The Marmite mayonnaise adds a deep umami richness, while the Blackstone Vintage Cheddar Cheese delivers a sharp and creamy finish. What better match for a burger than a beer? The bubbles offer a subtle palate cleanser, cutting through the fat. The hoppiness and maltiness can also balance out any smoky flavours. Our Pale Ale is a refreshing sip that can really bring out the flavour of the beef.   

Turn your visit into an overnight stay 

There’s something truly special about an indulgent meal in winter, when comforting pub food and satisfying sips feel like a treat for the soul, and offer the perfect excuse to slow down and reconnect with loved ones. 

And when it’s time to call it a night, what could be better than knowing a warm and cosy bed is just a few steps away? 

At Chef & Brewer, we’ve got plenty of pubs with accommodation, so you can turn your visit into an overnight escape. Wake up to peaceful countryside views from your window and a hearty breakfast when you’re ready to rise. 

Ready to join us for a visit? 

This winter, there’s no better place to warm up than at Chef & Brewer. Settle in by the fire and enjoy hearty, comforting dishes and carefully crafted drinks. Whether you're catching up with friends or escaping for a quiet meal with the family, finding your new local is easy. Just pop your postcode or location into our handy pub finder, and discover the nearest classic country pub near you. 

*Prices correct at time of publishing