Thame pub’s Sunday roasts make Observer food awards

THE Thatch in Thame has continued its winning streak by once again being recognised in some of the country’s top food and drink awards, after being voted one of the best places to eat and drink in The Observer Food Monthly Awards.

The Thatch crew celebrate

The Thame gastro pub learned on Sunday that it had been given the ‘thumbs-up’ by readers of The Observer, when it was named Runner-up in Best Sunday Lunch and Best Place to Drink in the south, in this year’s awards.

General manager Evelin Rae and her team were quick to celebrate after being given the news this weekend that they had been singled out for praise for the third time, in these high profile, national awards. She and the team kicked off their day with a well-deserved glass of bubbly, before getting ready for a busy Sunday service.

“This Sunday was already shaping up to be a good one, with a full reservations book and the chefs in early as usual to get their prep done for Sunday lunch – joints roasting slowly in the oven and Yorkshires rising to perfection,” said Evelin. “Things suddenly went from good to better, when the Sunday papers landed on the doormat and I nervously leafed through The Observer Food Monthly Magazine.

“Imagine my delight when I came to the news that we had been named runner-up in not one but two categories – ones close to our heart – Sunday lunch and as a rather good watering-hole,” she continued. “I was absolutely thrilled, and couldn’t wait to share the news with the team.

“We all work very hard to make The Thatch the place it is – somewhere you can enjoy good food and drink with great friendly service to match – and it’s down to the team that we have done so well. And also to our great guests and readers of the magazine who voted for us again, and we thank them all.”

Now in their 13th year, The Observer Food Monthly Awards reward the finest in British food and drink. They are voted for by readers and a judging panel, and champion the best producers, restaurants, retailers and bloggers in the UK. Prizes are presented at an awards celebration in London co-hosted by Observer writer Jay Rayner and Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins.

“We’ve done a lot over the last couple of years to make our roasts the best, and it’s great to have this recognised,” added Evelin. “The atmosphere in the pub on Sundays is now always fantastic, with a real warm and friendly buzz and The Thatch has become known locally as a great place to get together with friends and family for a great Sunday lunch – people flock to us from miles around. Make sure you join them soon!”

To book a table for Sunday lunch or lunch or dinner any other day of the week, go to www.thethatchthame.co.uk. The Thatch is at 29-30 Lower High Street, Thame, Oxon, OX9 2AA. Tel: 01844 214340.

SOURCE: Contributed