AD Press invite – I was invited to the launch evening of Navigation Inn so my meal was complimentary. I was not obliged to review or share my experience on my blog.
Navigation has been closed for some time due to an exciting refurbishment that they have been teasing on their social media and website – they’ve anticipated the pub to be a stopping place for quality time, where you can slow down and eat, drink and chat with loved ones.
So I was thrilled to have been invited to their VIP night ahead of opening to give you a sneak peek at what you can expect!
If you’ve never visited Navigation at Stoke Bruerne, it’s a delightful village pub that sits right opposite the grand union canal where Josh and I have enjoyed many drinks prior to its refurbishment when we’ve come for a walk around the canal.
It’s a go-to location here in Northamptonshire!
Prior to its uplift, the Navigation was very much a “drinkers pub” with very mediocre decor and it didn’t have much life to it.
Now, it’s a completely different story…
What’s new at Navigation, Stoke Bruerne
What isn’t new about it!?
From the moment we walked in, we could tell this wasn’t just any old refurbishment, but they had completely transformed the place!
You can expect a warm invite from the staff, who have been fully prepped to ensure you have a pleasant and welcoming stay – plus, you have a lot of options for where you want to sit as anywhere you sit, you will feel the benefit – by the window gazing at the canal, in the cosy corner by the fire, or in the middle of the bustling atmosphere near the bar!
The decor has been completely stripped and is now very cosy and universes away from what it was. I would certainly call this a winter go-to location this year ahead of Christmas – details including the hand-painted pictures, sturdy wooden tables, vibrant home furnishings and hanging foliage make this feel like you’re right at home.
One of the highlights for me was the gin bar that looked so appealing that I pretty much gravitated towards this – I’ll have to come back just to try the gin menu.
Speaking of menus…
Navigation at Stoke Bruerne Menu
They have clearly thought of every single detail on the menu, because there were so many options that I found it difficult to pick what I wanted – that’s a sign of a good pub when you know you’ll return just to try the other menu items!
The waiter for our evening was very well educated on what the menu had to offer, whilst offering his own personal recommendations – big tick there, as I love a waiter who knows their stuff and can offer personal insight.
You had a range of nibbles to share if you fancy a bit of everything (I had my eye on the camembert and mezze board!), a mix of veggie and meaty starters for your own,, a very traditional “pub classics” main menu consisting of beef and ale pie, cod and chips, lasagna to name a few…
It doesn’t stop there – they have a steak and grills menu, seasonal specials (ideal for winter) , a burger menu, plenty of sides and of course a succulent pudding menu – you’ll be quite happy to have a whole feast here.
And let’s not forget their drinks menu which consists of that tempting G&T menu which is a whole other reason to visit. The Strawberry One sounds like my cup of tea (or gin)
Now I bet you’re wondering – Nicole, what did you eat from this glorious menu!?
What we ate at the Navigation
We finally made our choices after our waiter was kind enough to give his recommendations and read out the specials menu.
For starters, Josh went for the soup of the day which had butternut squash in and a kick of spice, which was SO satisfyingly good with some crusty bread (spoiler: we always like to try a bite of each other’s food!)
My starter was a bowl of creamy mushrooms, which was small in presentation but after finishing, I knew I couldn’t have anymore – so big a tick for portion sizes as it was very creamy. Both starters came with 3 thick slices of french bread and butter which had melted enough to lather on – delicious!
Our mains were a very welcoming sight (we were ready for a feast) as I ordered the duo of chicken supreme and slow-cooked british beef which was shredded and pressed in caramelized onions – complemented by some creamy mash, seasonal vegetables and a pot of chicken gravy and beef dripping and merlot gravy each, which I thought was incredibly clever to have two different pots of gravy!
The beef pulled apart so effortlessly and melted in my mouth, equally the chicken did too but had that lovely journey of being crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The mash went really well with both and I enjoyed the presentation of the dish of which it divided the two meats if you wanted them separate – or mix them around like I did!
Josh had the House Bacon & Cheeseburger of which you could choose either the Aberdeen Angus beef burger or a grilled chicken breast – obviously, he went for the beef! I had a taste and it was like a glorified (and much better) version of a Burger King burger – nice and simple for when you just fancy a decent home-cooked burger.
Despite the rush and the evening getting busier as the evening rolled by, our waiter was on the most part, great with timing when our starters went away, to when our mains came and always asked if we wanted any other drinks etc – we did have to wait a while to see the dessert menu despite being told it was coming – 35 minutes ago…
But I will forgive them for this as overall, the service was fantastic, but just something for them to keep in mind!
Desserts arrived and both were lovely and light to finish off the evening – Josh’s Lemon Panna Cotta with cream, fresh strawberries and shortbread was not too zesty, but nice and light on the palette. Whilst my Strawberry Clotted Cream Cheesecake tickled in sweet strawberry flavour and made me smile with every bite – it’s hard to get cheesecake wrong, but they got it so spot on!
Overall, we were so impressed with the transformation of both the look, vibe and menu at the Navigation – it’s universes away from its old life and I’m thrilled to say we’ll be heading back next time we go on our country walk around the canal – because it’ll certainly work up an appetite and there’s plenty of food to fix that!
Find Navigation at Stoke Bruerne on Instagram.
You can find Navigation at Stoke Bruerne near Towcester, NN12 7SY.
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