Bushel and Strike Ashwell

10/09/2026

Introducing one of our gorgeous new starters.
Carrots, salt-baked until they've given up all their sweetness.
Sitting alongside a spiced date puree that carries a little warmth without shouting about it. A bright hit of orange cuts straight through the richness, ricotta brings a creamy contrast to the gentle kick, and toasted seeds bring the bite that ties it all together.

It's a small plate, but it's layered with flavour.
Sweet, spiced, sharp, creamy, all in a few forkfuls.
The kind of starter that says more than its size lets on.
You know where to find us.

09/09/2026

Get creative with the colours of autumn.

Join Sarah from Wild Fern uk for a relaxed and creative wreath-making workshop, where you’ll create your very own beautiful dried flower wreath using the colours, textures and natural beauty of the season.

When -Thursday 8 October
Where - Our Barn
What time - 6 PM – 8:30 PM

Whether you’re a complete beginner or already love getting creative with flowers and foliage, Sarah will guide you through the process, with all materials provided.

It’s the perfect excuse to slow down, get creative and spend some time with friends, or simply enjoy a few hours of me-time.

And the best bit? You’ll leave with a gorgeous autumn wreath to hang at home or give as a lovely handmade gift.

Come and embrace the season, get crafty and have some fun with Sarah from Wild Fern.

Spaces are limited, so book your place and get ready for an evening of autumn creativity.
Book via the link below or email Sarah at [email protected].
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/autumn-wreath-workshop-tickets-1999848626075

06/09/2026

Papers out, half read.
A dog asleep under someone's chair, running in their dream.
Someone's on their second pint before they've said much of anything.
Nobody checking the time.
Nobody's got anywhere else to be, and it shows.

Sunday here isn't really about the roast, though that helps.
It's about the whole afternoon stretching out with nowhere to go and no reason to hurry it along.

05/09/2026

There are limited spaces still available at our September Dollzuki Maine C***s Doll Zuki café sessions. Don’t let them slip through your paws as this time, they’re bringing the kittens!

Alongside plenty of cuddles, purrs and cat company, you can enjoy delicious food freshly prepared by our kitchen team; the pawfect pairing for a cosy evening with some seriously cute company.

If you missed our last session, this is your chance to join us. And if you were there, you already know how lovely an evening it was!

Wednesday 16th September
5.00pm–6.00pm
Just 2 spaces remaining
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/dollzukimainecoons/2337231

Wednesday 16th September
6.30pm–7.30pm
8 spaces remaining
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/dollzukimainecoons/2337368

These spaces won’t be hanging around for long. They’re likely to be snapped up quicker than a cat chasing a feather toy!

So, if you’d love an hour surrounded by adorable feline friends, plenty of purrs and some delicious food, don’t leave it too long to book your place.

We look forward to welcoming you back for another paws-itively lovely evening!
Book your spaces via the links.

05/09/2026

There's a stool at the end of the bar that's never officially anyone's.
No reserved sign, no name on it, and yet, most Saturdays, it's the same person perched there.

They don't need to order anymore, not really. The whole team knows their pint before they've even sat down. It's already being pulled by the time they're through the door.

This is not service you can plan for.
It just happens, slowly, over enough Saturdays.

04/09/2026

We’re thrilled to share that, following an anonymous inspection, we have been awarded our first AA Rosette.

Late last year we applied to be on the AA rosette scheme because we believe in holding ourselves accountable and striving to reflect the exceptional village, we are proud to call home. Recognition was never about ego; it was about being judged honestly, challenging ourselves and becoming better.

This award feels especially meaningful after a difficult 2026. From being in hospital in February, and the pub having to close during March. In an unforgettable twist, the AA inspector arrived for lunch while I was still recovering, tube in throat and all, you couldn't make it up.
Of course, there was then no inspection, however their response could not have been more supportive. We stayed in touch, gained a little extra time and, when asked in June whether we were ready, I said yes—even if I did not entirely feel it.
The unannounced inspection followed in August, and the rest is history.
Earning a Rosette is one milestone; maintaining it is the next challenge. With our fabulous team’s hard work and commitment, we will keep improving.

All we have ever wanted to be is better than average, and this award is a wonderful recognition of that ambition in a village that is undoubtedly far more than average itself.

Thank you to all our staff here at The Bushel and to everyone who continues to support us. We could not have achieved this without any of you.
Martin

30/08/2026

Sunday has come around once again, bringing with it a little time to pause, ponder and put a few thoughts into words... so we thought we’d pen a little ditty for your morning musings.

The Bushel & Strike is more than a pub,
It’s where old stories meet new ones with love.
Where strangers arrive and leave as friends,
And good conversation never quite ends.
It’s laughter, long lunches, and evenings that stay,
A familiar place at the end of the day.
More than a drink, more than somewhere to meet,
It’s part of the village, warm, welcoming and complete.

You know where to find us this bank holiday Sunday...

29/08/2026

There’s a bit of a chill in the air this weekend.
The sort of weather that calls for a glass of red, a little time around the table, and good conversation.

Perhaps a few cheeses, some charcuterie, and an old friend you haven’t seen in far too long.

No great plans. No rush. Just one of those evenings that starts with “just one drink” and somehow turns into hours of catching up.

29/08/2026

28/08/2026

There’s a new fish dish on our menu this week.

Pan-fried halibut, artichokes, mussels and clams.
Because we believe not all have to involve the deep fryer.

The halibut is cooked until perfectly golden, flaking apart at the touch of a fork, with briny mussels and clams and the earthy bite of artichoke alongside it. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and that’s all it needs.

Simple, good ingredients, treated with care and respect.
Letting the quality of the produce speak for itself.