Embryo pub group The Little & Large Pub Company has opened its second pub in the South East – The Running Horses in Mickleham – and is planning a third in Lewisham. The first pub in the group was The Queen’s Head in Dorking

Chef and owner Richard Brown, formerly of Beastro in Manchester, is a big game fan with venison already one of the stars of the menu at The Running Horses.

He told The Great Game Guide: “We use a variety of game at both pubs. Most notably at the moment is venison but you’ll also find duck and pigeon when available and I also love a game terrine.

“Game always takes a bit of a hit at Christmas at the expense of more traditional dishes but it will come back strongly in the New Year.

“I love a Venison Wellington with seasonal vegetables and beetroot or even a classic potato Dauphinoise. Venison has such an incredible flavour. It’t the ultimate meat. However, it needs to be respected to get the most out of its delicate flavour.

 “When it comes to game birds pigeon is my favourite. It’s a shame that not many chefs incorporate it into their menus because it’s plentiful and really delicious.  

“As the new year progresses we’ll start incorporating more and more game into the menus which is when it starts to get really popular.”

www.littleandlargepubcompany.co.uk

 Richard Brown talked to Alice Kamara