The Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton

We came here for an evening meal for two in September 2012. This does seem to be a mainly dining pub, and including a conservatory extension has capacity for a good number of covers. One of us had an excellent home made steak pie, and the other venison sausages, which were made on site, and served in red wine gravy. Attentive service (even though we were the first to be seated in the overflow area). And yes, it's not cheap: we paid around �60 for main and pudding, plus coffees and drinks, but we weren't disappointed. If you're looking for cheap bar meals, you may need to try elsewhere. But the setting is charming, at the heart of a picturesque village just a short distance from the ford.

21 Sep 2012 21:19

The Pineapple, Brimpton Common

The Pineapple doesn't look very prepossessing from the outside, but once inside, it's pretty charming: the ceiling varies from low to exceedingly low, there are rustic tables and chairs, and it doesn't look too posh to welcome bedraggled walkers. A friendly and efficient service at the bar (despite our complicated approach to ordering), with a Stowford draught cider to compensate for the Strongbow draught. The bank holiday lunch menu was promisingly short (as a rule of thumb, we think the shorter the menu, the more likely it is to be fresh and home made), and the food fulfilled the promise: two absolutely first class beef and ale pies with veg, undoubtedly home made, with excellent quality beef which the landlord was clearly proud of. Nothing left behind! We also tried the chocolate and orange mousse, which came with raspberry and blueberry topping, served in a homely tea cup, which was equally exquisite. Generously sized coffees too. Main course about �11, puddings about �5, which given the quality was very acceptable.

2 Jan 2012 18:07

The Running Horses, Mickleham

Stopped here for bar food on Easter Saturday lunchtime. It gets busy here, and the parking outside is quite restricted, so late car-borne arrivals may find it difficult to park. The bar is quite small and traditionally characterful - a good deal smaller than the restaurant - although there was a big log fire crackling away, and several locals in for lunchtime drinks. There's a draught Aspalls' cider. The bar food menu is extensive, and includes the restaurant menu. Prices are on the high side, and we paid around �6 for beef and tomato sandwich, a bit more for garlic bread, artichoke, tomato and olives (the restaurant menu is a good deal pricier). Bar service was friendly and efficient, and delivery super-fast (albeit we were there before the rush). Both food orders were generous and good quality. A good place for a cosy lunch on a cold day after a walk in Norbury park.

5 Apr 2010 21:12

The Pandora Inn, Restronguet

Stopped here for a snack lunch on a Saturday in early March, so not too busy, although the car park was full. Idyllic setting, with views from terrace over Restronguet Creek. Soup and sandwich lunch good quality and generous: not cheap, but about par for the area and the location. Friendly service.

9 Mar 2010 19:27

The Cyder House Inn, Shackleford

We ate here on a busy Saturday lunchtime, weekend before last. All tables taken, and a surprising number of families, but not too noisy. Staff were clued up and engaging. We ordered a pasta and a pie off the specials: the pasta was tasty, hot and a generous serving; the pie enjoyable (if unexceptionable) with a good serving of veg. We both followed with chocolate brownies: rich and gooey, with white chocolate ice cream, enough to finish off us both! Prices a wee bit on the high side, though pretty average round here for a decent meal. As one might hope given the pub name, there were at least two decent draught ciders available.
Parking looks a bit tight, though may be available on the road outside. We were able to take our sister's dog into the dining area ("well behaved only"). And there's space to tie up two horses outside, so we'll be back in the summer... .

3 Feb 2010 22:11