Olveston House

Olveston House Review

Five different rums power the knockout Olveston Rum Punch, but the animated chatter of locals, expats, and international guests also generates its own potent buzz. Picture windows overlook the handsome verandah and gardens at this popular eatery. Chef Margaret Wilson creatively uses whatever ingredients are available. You might luck into fresh wahoo in orange-ginger sauce, scrumptious garlic shrimp, pork tenderloin glazed with homemade preserves, or flaky savory pies that elevate traditional English pub grub to an art form. The sublime sticky toffee pudding, mango-ginger crumble, and pear tart justify Margaret's declaration, "I'd rather make desserts than clean the house," though daughter Sarah's luscious cheesecakes (mango, chocolate hazelnut) are also winners. Sailing etchings, period cabinets with mismatched china, and serenading tree frogs create the ambience of dining at someone's country estate, Caribbean-style. Wednesday barbeque, Friday Pub Night, and Sunday classic English brunch are casual and cheap, with no reservations required.