The Withies Inn, Compton

This is a pretty pub with charming garden and efficient staff. While an outdated restaurant and menu is forgiveable (if not expected)in a traditional pub, complacency in delivering overpriced food is not. Tom Aitkens in Chelsea serves roast rack of lamb with herb crust at �16.50, The Withie's at the same price serves up overcooked sunday lunch with gravy which seemed to have more than a touch of bisto about it. I normally give any restaurant a second chance but at unbelievably pretentious prices, I shan't be returning to the Withies - flambeed Steak Diane notwithstanding. With so many good and far less pretentious pubs serving honest pub food, this outdated pub is extremely lucky to have so many loyal if (in my opinion) misguided diners. I'll stick to London's overpriced restaurants in the meantime where chefs hopefully shun the bisto and know what a 'pink' piece of meat should look like. I'm sure it's a great place for soup and a sandwich ....

13 Jan 2008 19:59