AS a lover of traditional quality pub fare, I have sampled my fair share of culinary delights over time, but none as tantalisingly tasty and satisfying as in the newly refurbished Greyhound Inn.
The Greyhound has, over the years, built up a reputation for its welcoming atmosphere, fine food and excellent service, but with new management at the helm, and a chef trained by Gordon Ramsay, we were intrigued as to what the evening would offer.
Stepping in from the cold, the welcome was warm and my partner and I were promptly shown to our table for two, admiring the modern classic décor along the way.
Every table was taken, a good sign we thought, but although busy, the setting was intimate enough, and it wasn’t long before we were sipping our drinks and perusing the indulgent menu.
Somehow we resisted the vast array of mouth-watering British style tapas on offer, which also included a vegetarian option from stilton and walnut pate, potted smoked mackerel and pork and black pudding chipolatas.
Instead I opted for the steak and Bombardier Ale pie served with some of the chunkiest chips I had ever tasted, crisp and fluffy, just how I like them, and to accompany a pot of hot, fluffy mushy peas to dip.
Delving in to the light, short crust pastry topping, the steak melted in the mouth and the gravy was light and flavoursome with vegetables cooked perfectly.
My partner indulged in the Friar’s Park Mollington lamb, and true to expectation, it was a real treat.
Every mouthful of the slow cooked shoulder of lamb was a real pleasure, full of flavour, served on a bed of light and floury, onion-filled Champ mash which oozed with flavour, and a mixture of side vegetables.
The portions were more than generous, but as impressed with our mains as we were we couldn’t resist sharing a portion of the sticky, chocolate brownie, served with ice cream. Rich, moist and oozing hot chocolate sauce, it was the pudding of all puddings.
It is no exaggeration to say our first visit to the new-look Greyhound Inn was among the best traditional, heart-warming and truly satisfying dining experiences, with exceptional friendly, warm and attentive service, great atmosphere, and quality food.
We can’t imagine it will be too long before we find ourselves pulling up a seat at the Greyhound Inn again.
The Greyhound Inn, Seahill Road, Saughall, Chester