The Maypole Inn, Hayling Island

There are two pubs just on Hayling which attract many people for food - thus a 2-hour wait at one last evening which resulted in a group of four moving further on to the Island - and boy, we were glad we did!

Staff at The Maypole are exceptional - polite, friendly, not over attentive with diners. The beer - an old Gales pub still offering HSB and Butser - together with London Pride (untried; I was driving) cannot be rated unfortunately.

The food however, was superb; rump steak cooked precisely as ordered and melt in the mouth; chicken in Madeira which got the thumbs up from the two who ordered it and cod wrapped in bacon; which passed the Wifey test. No starters; but a home-made treacle pudding after, which got a "wow" Even the cheese board was spot on; cheese at room temp and plenty of it! Whether local or visiting - do give this a go. Sunday roast?? Booked for and drooling..

16 Jul 2008 19:47