Over Christmas, we’ve indulged, we’ve been merry, and we’ve definitely stuffed ourselves silly! But now, it’s time to face the reality of January and get back to what they call ‘real life’! Fitting back into your old, pre-Christmas routine is often something people dread. So why not try something new this year to get you feeling motivated and happy through the rest of the winter months?
Whether it be through self-improvement, new years resolutions or planning a fun getaway for later in the year, we approve of all!
Veganuary and Dry January add to the challenges of the New Year, not only for pub operators but to the individual too – we all need something to keep us going! So, instead of the usual route, we’ve come up with a few of our favourite ‘Be Good To Yourself’ dishes from our menu to instead to add some flare to your month whilst also keeping it lean, clean and green at the same time.
Breakfast
Start your day off right with the full works, the veggie way. Our breakfast with all the trimmings always goes down a treat. Expect Glamorgan meat-free sausages, avocado, hash browns, roasted tomatoes, Portobello mushrooms, baked beans, and a fried egg with toast and butter. Delicious and wholesome!
Or if you’re feeling fruit and sweet how about a granola bowl from our menu instead? Start with some Greek yoghurt, add some lemon curd, fresh fruits (we like berries, bananas and seeded fruits) and chai seeds and you have yourself a delectable dish perfect for January!
Lunch
Our Moving Mountains “vegan beef burger” goes down a treat, even with the meat eaters amongst us! Top it with a fiery Mexican-style mayo, lettuce, tomato and onion and you’re onto something really special. Instead of dry January, how about ‘try January’, and consider opting for a veggie dish that will delight all the senses. Only at The Lion!
Or, for something lighter for lunch, how about our soup of the day? You may find Krystian and The Lion chef team toss some seasonal veggies in a pot or opting for a warming creamy tomato dish depending on the day. All served with the freshest Bradwall Bakehouse bread – which produces some of the most popular loaves in the county!
Some of our chefs’ favourite soups include butternut squash, leek and potato, lentil, tomato and our seasonal caramelised celeriac and parsnip, chestnut, and apple soup!
Dinner
Taking inspiration from our own culinary geniuses in The Lion kitchen, incorporate some fish into your diet this January if you don’t already, or perhaps substitute red or white meat for its seafaring equivalent?
Fish is filled with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins such as D and B2 (riboflavin). It’s also rich in calcium and phosphorus and a great source of minerals, such as iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium. What’s not to love? Our favourite at the moment has to be our Chalk Stream Trout, served with crispy layered potato, green beans, and leek fricassee, accompanied by a parsley sauce.
Or for the veggie option, try out our butternut squash macaroni cheese. You can feel good about your snacking with the sneaky veggies included in the sauce. Without compromising on taste, enjoy the pleasure of this dish and get in a few of your five a day as well!
Treats
Finally, being good to yourself also includes a reminder that we are allowed to have treats and foods that aren’t necessarily all that ‘good’ for our diets! It’s called living a balanced lifestyle and allows us to have a little fun and not follow a restrictive diet that cuts out all the quote-unquote ‘bad stuff’. So we recommend treating yourself to that bowl of ice cream or grabbing that dessert you’ve been eyeing on the menu; may we suggest the sticky toffee pudding (a classic) or the lemon tart?
If after all that talk, you’re craving some gourmet comfort food, book a table online and join us at The Lion! Our menus offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea too, all put together with local produce and seasonal goodies.
We’re looking forward to the coming year with many fun events planned! Follow us over on our Instagram and Facebook to be the first to know what’s going on. Or, sign up for a Bear Card to ensure you’re rewarded for being a loyal customer.
