First impressions on entering the pub are that the restorers did a very good job. It's a large pub with a huge bar area that has several little alcoves where rowdy groups can enjoy themselves without disturbing the other customers, and a good selection of leather sofas for relaxing in after a large meal. Just right for us then.
We were given a warm welcome as we approached the bar, but sadly found that there were only 2 real ales
available: Ringwood Best 3.8%, and Ringwood Forty Niner 4.9%. These are both fine ales, but we were hoping for a bit more choice (especially when we noticed that there was a row of casks behind the bar, but they were all empty). All the same, when we tried the Ringwood Best we found that it was in excellent condition and served our needs admirably. We saved the Forty Niner for last, as it is such a strong ale, and found it was also very good. Matthew, the landlord, explained that there is usually a wider choice of ales available at the weekend (our visit was on a Thursday).
We knew that Gordon had organised the meal in advance with the landlord, Matthew, and that we were getting a Lamb and Port Pie, which is an unusual sort of pie, so anticipation was mounting.
We weren't disappointed when the pies arrived. We had individual pies, nicely presented with mash and mixed vegetables (carrots and beans), and with individual pots of gravy served on the side, just how we like it. We prefer individual pots as it prevents any fighting over the gravy. The pie filling was packed with meat and very tasty, although the port taste was quite subtle. The pastry was near perfect, and the chef managed to avoid the pitfall that is common with individual pies of having too much pastry and not enough filling. All in all, this was a very good pie. We nearly all managed to clear our plates and leave room for some pudding, for which there was a good choice.
Unfortunately there was only one Sticky Toffee Pudding left, which could have led to some serious trouble between us, but we're gentlemen and managed to resolve the issue in a gentlemanly way. Those who had them reported that the puddings were very good.
The Ringwood Best was £3.85/pint - not cheap. The pies were £11.95 and the puddings were around £6.95, so they weren't cheap either, and sadly this meal didn't get a very good value for money score, but the quality was very good. Ambience was also very good: the staff were welcoming and gave good service, the premises were clean, there were no distracting tvs or fruit machines. There was some background music, but we could barely hear it.
Scores (max. 5 in each category, 25 overall):
- Pastry 4.10
- Filling 4.27
- Beer 4.16
- Ambience 4.20
- Value for money 3.93
- Total 20.65
All in all this was a very pleasant experience, marred only by the poor choice of beer and the rather high prices. Nevertheless, the final score means that this pub leaps into 2nd place in our rankings of pubs visited so far this year, just ahead of The Crown, and not far below The Woodman. Well done, Matthew.
