One of the few gripes FauxSurreyHubby & I have about our much loved, blissful corner of Surrey is that we are rather short of 'fabulous pubs within walking distance'. Our recent trip to Cartmel highlighted this (which is not really fair as in Cartmel village there were not only 3 fabulous pubs within a 10 minute stroll we were almost on top of a Michelin starred restuarant, but still ...) and the other evening FSHubby & I decided to take a walk into our local village and go the the local chain pub & just have a meal out; never mind the quality, feel the walk to earn our tea!
25 minutes were spent walking & chit chatting & sticky-beaking into other peoples house as we went the long way 'round and we found ourselves at a prefectly decent chain pub. There was a roaring fire, nice fabric on the chairs & the wine & beer were decent enough. Taking the menus to our table however our spirits fell. All the food was what can only be described as "freezer to fryer" - burgers, chips, fishcakes etc.
FSHubby whipped out his iPhone and started searching for alternative venues, and a very surprisng result popped up. Not a 2 minute walk from the OK pub was apparently a local gem. BUT we had in fact been to this place about 18 months ago & were not best impressed. However all the reviews were within the past 8 months so we thought - why not? Let's take a chance.
And BOY were we rewarded! The Leg of Mutton & Cauliflower is indeed a true gem. It has recently been taken over & refurbished and it was gorgeous. Old fashioned where it needed to be, modernised & done up in other parts. The pub has now been properly divided into a saloon bar, bar & proper starched tablecloth restaurant. The staff were smiley, the ambience was warm and welcoming and the menu spectacular. We were in pub heaven.We ate the following & it was perfect - the fondue especially was 10/10
OAK
SMOKED SCOTTISH SALMON
WITH CHIVE
AND POTATO ROSTI AND LEMON, CAPER DRESSING
SMOKED APPLE WOOD FONDUE (V)
SERVED
WITH HERB CROUTONS
BRAISED
PIGS CHEEKS
WITH CONFIT
BACON, SAVOY CABBAGE, CELERIAC AND CHANTENAY CARROTS AND A RICH PORK JUS
WILD MUSHROOM AND SPINACH RAVIOLI (V) (N)
WITH
WILTED RADICCHIO AND PINE NUT SALAD DRESSED WITH PESTO
Everyone go - keep this pub open & thriving - lord knows our village needs
it!
http://www.legashtead.co.uk/
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