We booked a table for two at the Greyhound on 6th November at 6pm. We arrived about 45 minutes…read moreearly. We got a friendly greeting from the member of staff serving behind the bar. I was keen to see our table as what often happens when you book a table for two is that you are shoved in the corner on a tiny - often round - table, with limited room, which hinders the enjoyment of the dining experience. However, when we were shown to our table, I was relieved to see that the table they had allocated for us was a larger than usual table for two. A member of staff (I later found out it was Fran, the Landlady) came to talk to us and explained lots about the ale that they sold and how the ingredients - and the ale - were all locally sourced. I am an ale enthusiast; i have never been to a pub where none of the ales are familiar to me, which was a very pleasant surprise. They explained that all four ales came from within a thirty mile radius, with Larkins being brewed in Chiddingstone (which we knew as we had just been to Chiddingstone). The menu, whilst not extensive, was interesting and varied, which I think is a good thing. I had King Prawns as a starter followed by fish (haddock - again unusual) and chips. At first I thought the chips were overdone but in fact they had skin on and had been cooked to a tee. My prawns (in tempura batter with a rocket and watercress salad and a vinaigrette) were SOOOOO DELICIOUS and succulent. My wife had fishcakes which were seasoned so well, and the Morrocan lamb shank, which was SOOOO tender and tasty, as if it had been very slowly cooked for about two hours. I decided to try all four beers (well, it would be rude not to have done!!!) but with halves rather than pints. The flavours of all four were subtly but distinctly different, which I thoroughly enjoyed, especially the Larkins which, although only 3.4% abv, in a blind taste one could be forgiven for mistaking it for a more a beer with a bigger personality - I thought it would be, well.....watery, but I was mistaken. And the prices (£1.90 for a half) were very reasonable. Fran, the landlady and her husband obviously know what they're doing and do it VERY well. The menu is well thought out - I was pleased not to have to choose from about twenty different choices as this to me says "a jack of all dishes but a master of none". This is definitely NOT true of the chef at the Greyhound. So, keep to the "formula" that you know.
We live in Crystal Palace - the Greyhound is about a forty minute drive, but well worth it.
But don't take my word for it - try for yourself, but you need to book so as not to be disappointed. So many pubs serve food and ale which is, well....just "ok"; the Greyhound is NOT one of them. A lovely way to finish off our visit to Chiddingstone - the "cherry on the cake" - no, it wasn't on the dessert menu, but if it was, doubtless it would be made on the premises and be delicious. As Fran (the Landlady) said - the only ingredients that are bought in are the Ketchup and the brown sauce! Can't wait to go back - maybe for Sunday lunch to see what their Yorkshire puddings are like!!! Well done to all at the Greyhound - all you need is a car park (or maybe we just didn't find it!!!).
