As Summer has just about come to an end we decided to chance the weather and drive out to Bray for lunch. We had been recommended the Hinds Head as a good spot for lunch and it is indeed a charming old school pub/restaurant. We parked up at the slightly wasteland inspired car park, walked past Heston Blumenthal's development kitchen (the blinds were down but someone was doing something with a big can of olive oil and headed in. We were seated straight away in the newish extension at the rear but it still had good character. The menu was extensive so I started with scallops and champ which was delicious whilst my lovely wife went for fantastic grilled scallops. She followed that with a chicken pie which she felt had a bit too much tarragon. I had a really lovely Shepherds pie. We followed this with a lovely triffle for me and my lovely wife had a great banana Eton mess.
The service was very efficient and swift but at no point did we feel rushed. If I do have a quibble it would be the wine list. I was the only one drinking and it has to be said the small glasses of Pinot and then Albarino I had were really underwelming. The Rioja I had with my main was very good though but expensive. The bill came to £120 for two with only one of us drinking which was a bit expensive. However it has to be said the food was a cut above the usual gastro fayre. The place was packed and everyone looked to be having fun, in particular the 3 rugger boys at the next table who after sculling a pint and half of cider each ordered a bottle of wine each to go with their meal, good luck to them I say! we could possibly have done without the aussie doctor sitting behind us who really did have an awful lot to say for herself. Anyway all in all good fun and we will go back.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Bray is lovely and this gastro pub had a nice feel to it. However now I believe it has a Michelin Star so it may have changed.