The Guildford
Guildford Grove, SE10
I first went here for lunch with friends a good few months ago, and really enjoyed it, but wanted to experience the full evening atmosphere before a review. It's a newish conversion from old-time-boozer to gastro-pub and I had heard very different opinions of it, so at least two visits were necessary, I felt...
As pub-restaurants go, it's not cheap. Most of the meaty mains are around fifteen quid, and the alcohol is also pricey. But I have to say that I like this place as well, if not better than many similar-priced eateries around here. So shoot me.
It's cosy - the lush red walls and curtains, the squashy sofas by the modern fire and slightly kitsch chandeliers take care of that, and the tables aren't too close together. The drinking area is pretty small, really, with funky wood surfaces and a vase that looks like it came out of Professor Branestawm's lab, though even on the very quiet night we were in there (actually it wasn't full on the lunchtime either) there were a couple of well-heeled-looking regulars sitting at the bar with newspapers. There was only one other table of actual diners the whole time we were there.
The service was relaxed and very friendly indeed - a cheery chap, happy to let us sit with drinks on the leather sofa until we felt like ordering at the tables, and knowledgeable-enough about the excellent compilation CD on the sound system to be able to tell me who was playing on a particular track without having to look it up.
Now. I know this is going to sound like some dodgy local paper review, but I really did love everything I ate that evening. The aubergine-sunblush-tomato ensemble I scoffed as a starter was beautifully prepared - lots of funky drizzled bits and sumptuous layers that melted into each other in my mouth. The Phantom Companion's duck rillettes on toast were equally enjoyable.
The mains kept-up the side. I'd already had the risotto on another occasion so tried something different - a rather splendid cod confection, beautifully executed. TPC couldn't decide whether to have the beef or the pork, so asked the waiter, who recommended the pork, in spite of the beef costing considerably more. It was a good shout - done to perfection.
I'm squirming as I write this. There's normally something I can carp about. But this really was a hugely enjoyable meal. I didn't really fancy the puddings (a good thing really; this Phantom-gig is piling on the pounds...) so we just had a coffee and cleared off.
The price of this place is going to mean I don't get to go back there as much as I'd like to. But for a nice semi-special-to-special night out, I'd say this would be a good choice indeed. A few more visits (I want to try the garden as soon as it's warm enough) and this could join the list of Phantom Favourite Haunts...
The website promises an upstairs restaurant area with more brasserie-type downstairs food, though it hasn't materialised yet. Maybe they aren't getting enough custom yet. That's a shame. From what I experienced, they deserve it.
I first went here for lunch with friends a good few months ago, and really enjoyed it, but wanted to experience the full evening atmosphere before a review. It's a newish conversion from old-time-boozer to gastro-pub and I had heard very different opinions of it, so at least two visits were necessary, I felt...
As pub-restaurants go, it's not cheap. Most of the meaty mains are around fifteen quid, and the alcohol is also pricey. But I have to say that I like this place as well, if not better than many similar-priced eateries around here. So shoot me.
It's cosy - the lush red walls and curtains, the squashy sofas by the modern fire and slightly kitsch chandeliers take care of that, and the tables aren't too close together. The drinking area is pretty small, really, with funky wood surfaces and a vase that looks like it came out of Professor Branestawm's lab, though even on the very quiet night we were in there (actually it wasn't full on the lunchtime either) there were a couple of well-heeled-looking regulars sitting at the bar with newspapers. There was only one other table of actual diners the whole time we were there.
The service was relaxed and very friendly indeed - a cheery chap, happy to let us sit with drinks on the leather sofa until we felt like ordering at the tables, and knowledgeable-enough about the excellent compilation CD on the sound system to be able to tell me who was playing on a particular track without having to look it up.
Now. I know this is going to sound like some dodgy local paper review, but I really did love everything I ate that evening. The aubergine-sunblush-tomato ensemble I scoffed as a starter was beautifully prepared - lots of funky drizzled bits and sumptuous layers that melted into each other in my mouth. The Phantom Companion's duck rillettes on toast were equally enjoyable.
The mains kept-up the side. I'd already had the risotto on another occasion so tried something different - a rather splendid cod confection, beautifully executed. TPC couldn't decide whether to have the beef or the pork, so asked the waiter, who recommended the pork, in spite of the beef costing considerably more. It was a good shout - done to perfection.
I'm squirming as I write this. There's normally something I can carp about. But this really was a hugely enjoyable meal. I didn't really fancy the puddings (a good thing really; this Phantom-gig is piling on the pounds...) so we just had a coffee and cleared off.
The price of this place is going to mean I don't get to go back there as much as I'd like to. But for a nice semi-special-to-special night out, I'd say this would be a good choice indeed. A few more visits (I want to try the garden as soon as it's warm enough) and this could join the list of Phantom Favourite Haunts...
The website promises an upstairs restaurant area with more brasserie-type downstairs food, though it hasn't materialised yet. Maybe they aren't getting enough custom yet. That's a shame. From what I experienced, they deserve it.
Labels: Drinking, Eating Out
posted by The Greenwich Phantom at
08:18
16 Comments:
The garden is the best bit for me...a good decked area, then down the stairs to the garden itself.
It is very expensive which puts me off a bit and I find the interior a little "cold" for my tastes. Saying that, it is a good addition to the Ashburnham Triangle.
I'd say it is much more of a summer than winter place.
I have to agree with the Phantom. The food, although not cheap was excellent, though my pudding was not quite up to the standard of starter and main.
As good as any decent west end eaterie. But what really made it was the French waiter we had, who was not only knowledgeable, but friendly and up for a bit of banter, even though the restaurant was packed when we went on a Saturday night.
Would definitely recommend it as an alternative to Inside, Chapter Two or Locale.
I would however define it as a restaurant in a former pub rather than a 'gastropub'.
Thanks for picking me up on that. It was me trying to be fancy and not use the word "restaurant" too often. Bad me...
Personally I prefer the food to both Chapter II (which has been only ok the last couple of times I visited) and Locale and I'd say it was deffo on a par with Inside. As for the North Pole and SE10 - no contest.
The Guildford gets my thumbs up too. They seem to have a good selection of wines but I'm no fan of the garden- which I recall a being too shady and plant-free for my tastes
Well if it's on par with Inside, will def give it a go. Never been disappointed at Guy Whatshisface's gaff - he's always consistent so hope The Guildford is too.
* sighs * Why did I ever leave 'the west'...here it's KFC and trillions of curry houses.
Any idea what The Rivington is like (apart from expensive)?
I reviewed it last year. Since then I've been a few times, but I still prefer The Guildford and Inside. There's nothing particularly WRONG with The Rivington - it just doesn't have that sparkle that really makes me want to pay those prices. Perhaps it's because Mark Hix's heart is really in Shoreditch, rather than Greenwich.
I really like the Rivington. While it's not cheap, the food is delish! I have been for breakfast, lunch, dinner and enjoyed them all. They also do small snack meals like cheese on toast or a pint of twiglets! Service is good too. Something I seem to have a problem with at the Guildford. The last time I ate at the Guildford they left my main course on my table while I was still eating my starter. The time before that, they tried to charge me over £5.00 for an orange juice and lemonade.
Ooh - that's poor. Tut. Sounds like they've pulled their socks up a bit - at least I hope son.
The service can be a bit hit and miss at the Guildford. The food is really good though. As for the Rivington, Duck Scotch Egg - mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
The problem with The Rivington - other than the unnecessarily high prices - is that it feels very... corporate.
The Guildford, by contrast, feels uber local. But in exchange they do expect you to pay 'Ashburnham Triangle' uber prices...
Whereas the Greatte Olde Ashburnham Arms is still reasonably priced, extremely friendly, and does great food...
What's all this deferential praise for the Ashburnham Triangle about? I don't get it. OK it is handy for the BR Station and DLR and the houses are big enough to raise a horde of kids in and accomodate thousands of books- but apart from that its charm is lost on me.
As for the inhabitants, I suspect those who have lived there for any length of time are just like I imagine most of us to be- fairly hard working, rasonably good at what we do and relatively down to earth,with the sort of discernment that has enabled them to gain their small slice of Greenwich, a brilliant district in one of the best cities in the world.
We went there last weekend and were really impressed. Not as good as Inside (as someone else has already said) but way better than 99% of Greenwich places. And the prices were really good - which was unexpected. I think most starters were in the £5-8 mark and mains 10ish. THe steak was the omst expensive at £14 but that is nothing unusual these days...
Also went last weekend after your review. Was highly impressed with the sunday lunch and will definitely be back.
My favourite place to eat out in Greenwich; lovely food, good beers, friendly staff and decent prices...
I love this place, though expensive it is one of the nicest pub/restaurants in the area. The bonus is the large garden that is a great sun trap.
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