John Barleycorn, fictional humorous personification of alcohol, first appearing about 1620. John Barleycorn was a figure in British and American folklore. British sources often refer to the character as Sir John Barleycorn, as in a 17th-century pamphlet, The Arraigning and Indicting of Sir John Barleycorn, Knight, and in a ballad found in The English Dancing Master (1651). The Scottish poet Robert Burns reworked folk material for his poem “John Barleycorn” (1787). (https://www.britannica.com/topic/John-Barleycorn)
“SINCE taking over a Cadnam pub, new landlord Hue Hars has made a host of changes – including the introduction of a fusion menu combining British classics and Indian favourites.”
“Hue (32) became licensee of the Sir John Barleycorn in Southampton Road in May [2022], and as well as jazzing up the menu he has given the pub a revamp and introduced live music nights.”
“I want the pub to be at the centre of the community and essentially a really fun place to be,” he said. “I want everyone to feel welcome here.”
“An Indian fusion menu is not what customers would necessarily expect in a 12th century tavern in the New Forest, but it’s gone down a real treat.”
“Before moving to Cadnam, Hue ran various restaurants in Southampton, including The Oxford Brasserie and Carnicero Steakhouse.”
“I’m originally from India, so to be cooking authentic dishes from my home country is really exciting.”
“As well as Barleycorn classics like beer-battered fish and chips, seafood linguine and honey and wholegrain mustard-glazed Hampshire ham, the menu features a host of Indian cuisine with a great vegetarian offering including curries made with chickpeas, okra and paneer.”
“Meat and fish options include Rajasthani lal mass, Malai king prawns, chicken makhani and lamb shank.” (https://www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk/lifestyle/new-forest-pub-revamp-sees-major-menu-change-9273809/)
This is where Jackie and I met Elizabeth and Danni for last night’s birthday meal with my sister.
From Chef Ram’s Specials Danni and I chose main meals of Railway on-the-Bone Lamb Curry; Elizabeth picked Lamb Shank; Jackie chose Palak Paneer. We shared Mixed Poppadoms, Mixed Veg Pakoras; Peshwari Naans, and Pilau Rice. Although the Barleycorn Pub Classics (English) were equally appetising, we had, of course, come for the Indian Chef’s cooking. We were not disappointed. This was cooking that would have graced any of our favourite Indian restaurants – utterly delicious. I drank London Pride Bitter; I haven’t registered what the ladies drank.
This afternoon, under SueW’s guidance, I recovered pictures to the following posts:
This evening we dined on Jackie’s tasty lemon chicken and savoury rice with which she drank Hoegaarden and I finished the Syrah.
Thank you for the interesting background, the song – and for tickling my tastebuds!
Place sounds fun and delicious. I love the folksong about Sir John.
We enjoyed this version of John Barleycorn, too. I can imagine him singing it in an old pub.
The menu sounds great, and I’m glad you dinner was delicious. I’d go for Jackie’s choice over yours, and all those lovely side dishes. 🙂
I also meant to comment on the title pun, and wondered how much you had to drink. 🙂
I’m sure that the “beer-battered fish and chips” are much better than anything we make over here, Derrick. The real thing! I would love to visit this historic pub. I’m glad that you are still recovering photos, Derrick. 👍🏻
What an interesting and cozy place.
I love the looks of the pub, especially the roof. If I had been there, I would have echoed Elizabeth’s order for the lamb shank!
Such a lovely post! I didn’t know this song💙🎶💙🎶💙
Such a quaint place, and love the dishes you have described.
Thanks very much, Zakiah
You are mastering your new site wonderfully.
Love the pub. Very cozy.
Thanks very much, Chrissy
I miss pubs like that up here.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Where I’m familiar with John Barleycorn is Traffic’s “John Barleycorn Must Die.”
Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
With so many puibs closing at this time, it’s refreshing to see a new landlord come along and change things a little. And cleasrly hje’s on the right track, with a new taste in cuisine and a new taste in music.
Thank you very much, John
I half expected and had a vision of Cornish men dancing and singing to this song. It sounds like a typical Cornish song.
What a great night. Not being a fan of Indian cuisine, like Elizabeth I would have gone for the lamb shank too.
This was an Indian lamb shank – you probably wouldn’t have liked it, but she did. Thanks a lot, Sue
You’re right. I have the occasional Chicken Korma but that’s about my limit.
Yum! I wish I lived closer!
Thanks very much, Doug
I’ve sort-of-known of John Barleycorn, but I’d never read the history of the song. I thought it was interesting that Robert Burns gave a rather positive twist to it:
“John Barleycorn was a hero bold,
Of noble enterprise;
For if you do but taste his blood,
‘Twill make your courage rise.
‘Twill make a man forget his woe;
‘Twill heighten all his joy;
‘Twill make the widow’s heart to sing,
Tho’ the tear were in her eye.”
The most appealing version of the song I found features some terrific traditional agrarian footage.
Thanks very much, Linda. This is a most evocative video. There were so many versions to choose from that I stuck with the traditionally authentic Watersons – however had I known this one with the old film I might have chosen it.
One thing I’ve learned about internet searches and browses is always to go past what the algorithms show me. This one was pretty far down the line, but I was in the mood to keep snooping around.
🙂
I’ve vaguely enjoyed the haunting sound of the John Barleycorn ballad in the past but never really knew what it was about until now. It’s about time. Thanks for the background.
Much appreciated, JoAnna
The pub looks like a place I’d love to visit. Thanks for sharing, Derrick.
Much appreciated, Jill
Looks a perfect pub. Beer battered is the way to go.
Thank you very much, Gary
Love the menu. Yesterday we had made palak paneer at home. You will not believe I have not tasted Rajasthani Laal Maas yet even being a local.
Thanks very much, Geeta
“A Boozy Knight”! HA! 😀 At night! 😉
What a wonderful place to create birthday-celebration memories! Love the warm inviting atmosphere! The food and drinks sound delicious!
Happy Birthday, Elizabeth!!! 🥳🎂🍾🥂🎈🎉🎁💐❤️
(((HUGS))) for all!!! 🙂 ❤️
Thank you so much, Carolyn X
PS…I really enjoyed the song/vid!!! 🙂
I’m pleased
Wow! Look at that gorgeous thatched roof. Sounds like a great time and good food.
Thanks very much, Cindy
That is what I call a pub.
We would definitely go more often if it was a bit nearer. Thanks a lot, Andrew
I have never heard of John Barleycorn. I guess he never came to Maine.;) Looks like a wonderful place for a birthday celebration.
Oh, I’m sure he did, Laurie 🙂 Thanks very much
I will look for him.
The historical pub looks like a cozy place and your title “A Boozy Knight” is very clever, Derrick. The closest thing we have as a real pub is about an hour from where we live. It’s owned by a retired Irish priest and fun place to meet friends and imbibe.
Thank you very much, Eugi. I’m pleased you liked the title
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I remember that song, Derrick. That does look like a nice, cozy pub.
Thanks very much, Lavinia
I’ve got a feeling that I have visited the pub with a great blogging friend??
That was its great rival, the Fleur de Lys, which is currently seeking a publican because the last people took it over just before our last lockdown and the fuel prices increase – they couldn’t survive. Cheers, John
Okay, I’ll have to come back and have another look.
Always welcome – a pleasure to see you, John.
a revamped 12th/C pub with the modern twist of fusion – sounds wonderful – and the dining room still seems to have flagstone “tiles” – and as for the thatched roof – dream boat stuff
Thank you so much, Catherine. Yes, flagstones. Many more old features than are captured on their website. Next time I will take my camera.
Lovely spot
Thanks very much, Sheree
Sounds like a really fun and delicious place to be!
Yes, Ribana. You would appreciate the presentation. Thank you very much
A lovely looking pub, Derrick. I’ve never heard of a fusion menu before.
I think it is quite rare, Robbie. Thanks very much