I stumbled upon The Greyfriar last December while I was in town from the U.S., and immediately and profoundly fell in love. Immediately upon entering, the staff welcomed me with cheer and delight--the warmth and care of their demeanor mirrored equally in the love they clearly pour into their food. My burger and fries/chips were fresh and superb--frankly, it was the best burger I've ever had--as was the wonderful wine the bar staff suggested I pair it with. The staff and proprietor Simon were so lovely and knowledgeable I ended up staying at the pub an extra two hours to participate in the weekly Sunday Night Quiz. Tip to anyone visiting The Greyfriar on a Sunday evening--you DEFINITELY want to stay for the Quiz! It's indescribably fun, and remains one of the top highlights of my time there.
When I returned to The Greyfriar in March, I was welcomed like a local--Simon, Norma, and the staff I had met during my time in Chawton several months earlier all individually took the time to give me a hug and sit down over a glass of wine/pint of beer and and catch up on my life. Seeing that I was nursing a head cold, Simon took the time to personally make me a restorative hot toddy.
But, then again, that's the magic of The Greyfriar. Because of the people who own and staff it (including chef Dan Rees, who cooked me a six-course meal for my birthday during my visit that was worthy of a ten-page spread in Food & Wine Magazine), the Greyfriar is more than a pub. It's a beacon of joy, feeding the soul and spirit as completely and as delightfully as it does the body.
I can't wait to return to my "home" away from home again. read more