The White Swan, Richmond

Have used the pub several times in recent years for a drink. Always convivial and civilised, its off-the-beaten-track location offering a nice antidote to the chain boozers that have taken over Richmond’s pub trade.

Tried what looked like its gastro food offer on Saturday along with three friends. Even though every table in the pub had a reserved sign, when the staff discovered we wanted to eat, a table was found for us. But have to say that my food was very disappointing. I can’t see what excuse there is for serving up lukewarm steak and chips (it doesn’t come any easier surely?). And at around fifteen quid, on the most popular night of the week, that’s a cardinal sin. Also, question for the chef, why oh why cover half the plate with salad? Do they serve steak frites in France with salad? You bet they don’t. It must be obvious that if you’re ordering steak, you’re doing so because you want meat/flesh - not leaves. I always feel this is a ruse to make the plate appear ‘full’, but it really jars with an old dog like me who is wise to most of the cynical ploys of the restaurant trade. Put the meat and chips on a smaller plate, I won’t be offended.

So I’m guessing that the reason my food was lukewarm was because it was left lying around while the other orders for our table were being prepared. If it were just me on the night, I’d have sent the food back. But as is so often the case, there’s a reluctance as it can tarnish the mood of the evening. On the up-side, very good and attentive staff. Thank you. I’ll carry on drinking here, but don’t think I’ll bother with the food again

7 Jan 2013 12:47

The Halfway House, Pitney

Back again for the annual pigrimage. Glad to report that in spite of change of ownership, as goos ever. Although unusually, we were able to get a whole table on a Saturday evening.
Particularly partial to Butcombe beers, and it was in great nick. The food continues to astound. The fabulous beer battered fish (and far too many chips!) would put many a fish & chip shop proprietor to shame.
Finally, one of my bugbears is pubs/restaurants that put Heinz Ketchup out on the tables and their dishonest habit of refilling it with some nasty cheap red gloop bough from the cash 'n carry depot. Delighted to report that the ketchup at the Halfway is exactly what is says on the bottle. Heinz.

19 Apr 2011 13:04

The Halfway House, Pitney

Q. Couple of years since last visit (see comment), but are they still doing those wonderful curries?

25 Feb 2011 09:22