Lunch at the Griffin's Head was such a great experience in every way! The waitress/bar manager Hattie took such good care of us. We had pre-booked and she welcomed us on arrival and led us to a table that had been set up for us...in the lower bar area where she lit a blazing log fire to warm us up, as was quite a cold day.
As the fire crackled away she brought 2 glasses of champagne...who could ask for more than a blazing log fire, champagne and a friendly helpful waitress? I was very impressed that this pub serves champagne by the glass, as we were both driving, so a bottle was not an option. So many pubs and restaurants are unwilling to do so, offering instead inferior prosecco by the glass.
The menu was very imaginative with unusual dishes we haven't seen elsewhere. By far superior to the Duke William at Ickham which has a boring, lack-lustre menu of uninspired food. A disgrace considering it is part of the much lauded Rocksalt Group. The Griffin's Head outclasses the Duke William and is at least equal to Rocksalt, if not better and at a much more reasonable price.
Hattie knew the menu inside out and advised us on vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. She was patient while we dithered over the various dishes and gave us plenty of time to choose.
We ordered locally sourced fish cakes with cherry tomato relish & rocket oil, followed by calves liver & smoked bacon with creamy mashed potatoes, fine green beans & onion bacon. Plus desert of Jam Roly Poly & Apple & red berry crumble, both normally served with custard, but we had them with cream.
The only negative at this charming country pub was the weak, wishy washy coffee with no flavour. Everything else was so perfect! Please Griffin's Head invest in a decent brand of coffee beans, there are many great options locally such as roasted Curve coffee!
A big thank you to Hattie for making us so welcome and looking after us so well! Our compliments to the chef for his delicious & very filling food! All in all a wonderful lunch!More