ABOUT US
We came to The Jackal in 1999, but the pub itself dates from the 17th Century and we still have the original indenture hanging proudly in the Restaurant from the sale of the land dated 1653. The pub was a Jarvis outlet before it was bought by Wells, and we think that the current name is a corruption of Jack’s Hall: before it became a pub, it was the village Blacksmith (one of many) and the Washhouse. It was in a frightful state when we arrived, having been once a flagship pub for Charles Wells Brewery, but had declined as a result of rapid turnover of tenants, but after much hard work we have established an award-winning venue, and still after more than 10 years we continue to strive to be one of the best.
Kev is a native of Bedfordshire who attended catering college locally, then went on to London, Reading, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Oxford, where he spent several years as Head-Chef of a major hotel chain. For three years prior to coming to The Jackal in 1999 he was based in a small Country Hotel in rural Gloucestershire where he achieved AA Rosettes for his food.
I, Jules, am the other member of the partnership, bringing a wealth of different approaches and ideas from my background in Horticulture, Floristry, Marketing and Design. Having two children at home my time is split between Gardening, Paperwork, helping out downstairs and the Children!
Regarding your culinary experience and expectation at The Jackal; we have eliminated the word “Home-made” from our menus as it is inappropriate to continuously write it. The ethos here at The Jackal is to use as much seasonal and local produce as possible, always preparing and cooking dishes to order. For those of you familiar to The Jackal, you will know only too well that Kev makes everything from Soups, Chutneys, Desserts and Sauces from scratch. (Home-made it all is!)
The Eggs used are usually The Jackal’s own; superb in our ice-creams, (come and see our chickens out the back) and if they are not laying sufficient for our needs then we get them from our local Farm Shop (Scald End Farm).
Regarding Fish; we are committed to responsible sourcing of the World’s best catch, buying only from well-managed and sustainable fisheries, while maintaining an obligation to actively encourage use of a greater variety and under-utilised species via our fish weekends and promotions.
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