REVIEW: The Britannia's New Summer Menu 2026

Summer has officially arrived in Ashley Cross, and The Britannia is celebrating the season in style with a fresh new menu packed full of vibrant flavours and seasonal ingredients.

We were recently invited down to The Britannia to sample some of the dishes included in their new Summer Menu, and from the moment we arrived, we had the most wonderful experience. The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, taking the time to talk us through the menu and share the inspiration behind the new seasonal dishes.

Whether you choose to dine inside the cosy and inviting restaurant, with its relaxed pub atmosphere, or soak up the sunshine in the vibrant outdoor terrace, The Britannia offers the perfect setting for a leisurely Summer meal.

Every few months, The Britannia refreshes its menu to showcase the very best ingredients each season has to offer, and this summer's selection is bursting with colour, flavour and creativity.

Starters: A Perfect Beginning

To start, we chose the Goat's Cheese & Black Olive Parcel, served with frisée salad, rosemary oil, balsamic reduction and tomato chutney. Beautifully presented, the crisp parcel gave way to a rich and creamy goat's cheese filling, while the sweet tomato chutney and balsamic reduction added the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

Alongside this, we simply couldn't resist one of The Britannia's most beloved dishes – the Cheese Soufflé. Served with a rich Coastal Cheddar sauce, it was every bit as good as we remembered. Light, fluffy and packed with flavour, it's easy to see why this dish remains such a firm favourite amongst regular visitors.

Mains: Summer Flavours at Their Best

For our main courses, we opted for two of the standout dishes on the Summer menu.

The Apricot & Harissa-Spiced Chicken Tagine was a fantastic combination of sweet and spice. Tender chicken was paired with pistachio and almond couscous, baby courgettes and olives, creating a beautifully balanced dish full of North African-inspired flavours. The sweetness of the apricot worked perfectly with the gentle warmth of the harissa, making every bite incredibly satisfying.

The Pan-Fried Sea Bream was equally impressive. Served with a rich bouillabaisse, sautéed squid, artichokes, confit onion and croutons, it felt like summer on a plate. The fish was perfectly cooked with crisp skin and delicate flavour, while the seafood broth brought everything together beautifully. A sophisticated dish that showcased the kitchen's attention to detail.

Desserts: A Sweet Seasonal Finale

No visit to The Britannia would be complete without dessert, and once again choosing was the hardest part.

The famous Pistachio Soufflé, served with Jude's chocolate ice cream, was every bit as indulgent as expected. The warm, light soufflé paired wonderfully with the rich chocolate ice cream, creating the perfect contrast of temperatures and textures.

We also tried the wonderfully seasonal Strawberry Theme dessert. Packed with strawberries, raspberries, melon and ice cream, it was fresh, colourful and bursting with summer flavours. Light, refreshing and beautifully presented, it provided the perfect ending to a sunny evening meal.

Seasonal Sips

One drink that absolutely deserves a special mention is the Lychee Margarita on the Rocks. Made with El Jimador Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, lychee purée, fresh lime juice and sugar syrup, it was refreshingly different from a traditional margarita. The lychee added a delicate sweetness that perfectly complemented the citrus and tequila, making it an ideal summer cocktail.

Final Thoughts

Once again, The Britannia has delivered a menu that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. From beautifully executed classics to exciting new additions, every dish felt thoughtfully created and packed with flavour.

Combined with the attentive service, welcoming atmosphere and relaxed Ashley Cross setting, it made for a truly enjoyable dining experience.

Whether you're planning a date night, catching up with friends, or simply looking for an excuse to enjoy some excellent seasonal food, The Britannia's Summer Menu 2026 is well worth a visit. We'll certainly be returning before the season is over.