The Sir John Barleycorn, Cadnam

Visited for the first time last night 29th September 2013, on my Birthday.
We made a point of ringing the Pub in advance to specifically request a Roast Meal, as it was Sunday, and we were told, " We have not been very busy today, so there is a possibility there was a chance of this meal being available. We were advised to arrive early.
We arrived approximately 7.00 pm, yet the member of staff serving us said the Roast Meals were all sold out as they had been busy that day. A slight contradiction, to say the least, yet there was only a handful of people in The John Barleycorn.

We ordered three separate meals, one of them being a Vegetarian selection, from the specials list. A couple of minutes later the member of staff returned saying that the vegetarian selection ordered was unavailable. When looking at the menu to re-order there was just two options remaining, neither of which were inspiring. I suggested to the member of Staff that he should ask the Chef for an alternative, for my partner. He returned saying that he could cook a Pea and Asparagus Risotto, with just a small amount of Parmesan on top. My partner was forced to accept this, as by then it was getting too late to leave this Pub and go elsewhere. This we all thought was very poor and unfair to Vegetarians. The two other meals ordered were both of the meat variety, and both were well cooked, well presented and politely served. I did find my Pork Loin to be a little on the tough side, and difficult to cut and eat, however. All in all though all food ordered was to a very high standard, and well presented. We ordered starters, mains and desserts. I will say though that the food is a little on the expensive side, but it seems that this is often the case these days. The John Barleycorn belongs to a small chain, therefore they do not have access to the cheapest prices when ordering their supplies. The only way of getting a reasonable cheap meal is to buy from a large chain Pub, such as Beefeater, Harvester, etc etc.... where they have the buying power to beat their food suppliers down in price.

I do prefer the smaller chains, so at the end of the day you get what you pay for it seems. The days of individual Pubs are sadly almost over. Very few survive now, as the chain guys have bought them all up. Any venue that's profitable is snapped up and then turned into a production line food machine.

Overall :-
The food available at John Barleycorn is to a very high standard, the Staff are Polite, the Pub is gorgeous, being a 12 Century Inn, and the location is quiet. There is also a large garden out the back with ample seating for diners wishing to dine out. They must however include more of a selection of the vegetarian type food if they are to continue to be successful.

I will return again with my family as this Pub is delighful.

30 Sep 2013 15:09