Newark's Oscar's Inn goes from offering pub grub to Michelin-quality fine dining

A chef who has worked in Michelin star restaurants is offering an affordable fine dining experience in Newark.

Oscar’s Inn, on Baldertongate, has been transformed from serving pub grub to a new a la carte menu with the help of head chef Akash Konganthara Subrahamanium.

Akash has worked as a chef for more than 11 years, with experience in restaurants with AA Rosettes and Michelin stars across the country.

Following a move to Newark, he found no job opportunities for a chef in a fine dining restaurant.

A chance agency shift at Oscar’s Inn led to him becoming head chef at the pub and, with general manager Alexander Faulkner, he was given the opportunity to re-imagine the inn’s menu.

As an experienced chef he has developed his own quality a la carte menu, from what was a standard pub offering.

The new a la carte dishes on offer showcase his talents as a chef and are reminiscent of his work in fine dining kitchens.

Alexander said: “We did some research and found a gap in the market for fine dining, with only one other establishment in Newark.”

They took the opportunity to transform the pub, and the accessibility of fine dining.

Akash describes the experience at Oscar’s as casual fine dining.

The inn is able to be less exclusive by offering more tables for a la carte service, and a lower price point.

It also serves classic and recognisable dishes, including 12-hour braised ox cheek and smoked fettuccine, with the chef’s twist.

Akash added: “I want locals to be able to enjoy a fine dining experience without paying a lot of money.

“They are classic dishes, but when they are served it is a surprise because it is not what people expect.”

Despite being affordable, the food promises to be a la carte quality, with seasonal food and a range of flavours.

Akash emphasises the importance of different textures to excite the palate, and uses four or five in each dish on his menu.

The a la carte menu at Oscar’s Inn offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options for all three courses, and is served Monday to Saturday.

The pub has also begun serving a new breakfast menu this week, and has plans for an afternoon tea service in December. Breakfast is served from 8am to 11am and lunch from 12pm to 11pm, Monday to Saturday, and 12pm to 10pm on Sunday.