eatout
THE GREYHOUND
Inns don’t get much more picture perfect than The Greyhound but, says Robin Goodlad, if
you come for the view, you’ll stay for the food
nyone who might not have visited The Greyhound
Corfe before will undoubtedly still recognise it, for it
is perhaps the most photographed pub in Britain,
nestling proudly under the towering ruins of Corfe Castle in
the classic view through the village.
A
The restaurant
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Warm and welcoming neutral walls are adorned with
paintings of the castle and surrounding area from local
artists, and many greyhounds in sculptural form nestle
on shelves. There are plenty of seating options, from cosy
alcoves, a separate room with one table, all
adorned with fresh flowers, and the garden
overlooking the castle.
As we arrive early on Friday evening, the
place is already full of diners, mostly locals,
which is always a good sign. The
Greyhound has undergone a renaissance
over the last year, with Jacci at the helm
and Dumitru Fercal in the kitchen.
A great selection of real ales from a
variety of independent breweries awaits,
and the wine list comprises a fine and well
travelled selection. The Marlborough
Sauvignon we chose was delightfully grassy,
and the perfect match for the fish.
The menu
such as the chargrilled Dorset pure rump burger topped
with a thick piece of bacon, and toasted brioche with
tobacco onions and salsa, which is as delicious as it sounds.
There is cod cooked in ale with Maldon sea salt and
home-made tartare sauce, and a 21 day aged sirloin, with a
variety of sauces. At the other end can be found delights
such as an open ravioli of wild mushroom, spinach, sundried
tomato with a basil sauce.
The food
I am always pleased when I see a menu which is so difficult
to choose from for all the right reasons –
there were so many dishes I wanted to try
it made decision making particularly tough.
We started with the Dorset crab and avocado
stack, which was delightful, and the baked
scallops and monkfish cheeks with a herb
and cheese crust and thermidor sauce, which
was delicious.
One of the things which sets The
Greyhound apart is the presentation of the
food, which is simply outstanding