Once a month I try to get together with one of my old work colleagues, H. We currently work in different parts of the county, but for 8 years worked in the same office.

Each month we like to try a new place to eat. Sometimes it can be casual (well as casual as I get) BBQ or burgers, another time it will be A la Carte all the way!

This month we decided to go to a local 17th century pub, which has a lovely refurbished restaurant within it, called The Griffin.

Not only does The Griffin have a full A la Carte menu, they also have themed nights most of the week; Pasta night, steak night, pub favourites and even fish and chip night!

Now, I have been to The Griffin for a couple of beers many moons ago, but never for food. So I was totally unprepared for the whole experience.

The restaurant is beautifully set out, Crystal votive holders, cream linen and a beautiful swagged ceiling. Very swish indeed!

Now, I had looked at the menu in advance and was torn between a couple of the main course items on it, and I knew I was in for a tough decision when eventually pressed for an answer.

In the end, I opted for the Belly Pork for my starter – Twice cooked pork belly, crackling, toasted walnuts on an apple puree, finished off with a balsamic glaze. Now, after years of not eating pork, I tried pork belly about a year ago and it has become one of my firm favourites. If I see it on a menu, I always choose it.I have to say I was so impressed with my choice! The pork belly was beautifully moist, fell apart on the plate yet the crackling was so crispy and full of flavour. I polished off every morsel on my plate.

My main course had been a bit harder to choose. I was torn between two different steak dishes, and a lamb dish.  My options were as follows –Now I absolutely love Steak Rossini. It is one of my very favourite things in the world to eat. So do I go for the trusty favourite, or try something different?

I decided to try something different which left me down to the other two choices. Both sounded delicious, and I was angling towards the Steak Boursin, however I was a little put off by the black pudding.

When the waitress came over to take our orders, I thought I chance my luck. I asked if it was possible to substitute the gallette for another kind of potato, preferably parmentier. She thought it would be no problem at all, so that was my decision made. Steak Boursin for me!

Did I make the right choice? Oh I really did!

The fillet of beef was cooked rare, just as I had requested and it was a huge piece of meat. The little parmentier potatoes were crispy and delicious, and the sauce was absolutely divine. The best part however was the thick slab of Boursin garlic cheese which began to melt over the top of the hot fillet.

The texture and taste of the beef with the soft cheese was out of this world. I literally could not get enough of it. I managed to clear my whole plate and I was really impressed by the whole course.

H had gone for the Rossini, having never had it before, and she was really enamored over the choice. Again, every last piece was eaten, and we both were effusive in our compliments over the meals.

We had a little break before deciding whether we wanted a dessert or not, and to be honest, I could have gone without one. However, they sounded so good that we both decided to give it a go, and if we couldn’t manage it all, it wouldn’t be the end of the World.

For some reason we both opted for the Wild Berry Pavlova, a fresh pavlova topped with Chantilly cream and wild berries. Well I have to say, I was so glad I decided to give it a go. It was absolutely scrumptious. Chewy yet crisp, with zingy berries bursting with juice. I was one of the loveliest Pavlova’s I have had in a long time, including my own homemade variety!

We spent a little while after our meal chatting, and then it was finally time to call it a night. We ordered the bill which for the 3 courses each and a bottle of Pinot Grigio came to £90. We both agreed it was worth every single penny.

The Griffin is a lovely place to dine out, the staff exceedingly friendly, and the food of an amazing standard. I thoroughly recommend a visit there if you are in the area, I know it won’t be the last time I return there!

Thank you to all at The Griffin that gave us a wonderful experience – Keep up the amazing work.