Visited June 2001

We were a party of 9 and were rather irritated that when we booked we were asked to pre-order.   It is a chore to have to contact everyone in advance especially as when we arrived they were not very busy at all.  It also meant we missed out on ordering from the chalk board.  The menu is large & varied, the portions are enormous!  I started with fish chowder which was good but very filling as it was accompanied by two enormous pieces of garlic bread, it was a meal on it's own!  I then had braised lamb shank which was tender and in a rosemary and garlic jus.  Everyone had different choices, the best was the carpetbag sirloin which was stuffed with pate, and all were  pleased.  The vegetables were a disappointment, very tired looking broccoli and carrots but the chips were very hot and freshly cooked.  All too full for pud.  Only had one bottle of an "OK" house white but plenty of soft drinks as nearly all driving.

The decor is very rustic, which means has seen better days, but is part of the atmosphere of a village pub.  Minstead was referred to in the Doomsday Book as Mintestede (Mint-place).  Would go again as very pretty setting by the village green.  Can sit outside, weather permitting.  The area is very busy with tourists in the Summer holidays.

Cost £ £ £ £

Yummy factor 7/10

Report by C.J.