Restaurant Guide

Roasted chicken breast glazed with chilli jam and served with chorizo at The Griffin in Caversham
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Restaurant review: The Griffin

By George Hamilton
October 10, 2012

It's a good job The Griffin knew we were coming – I fear we never would have got a table otherwise.

Every seat in the place was filled by a drinker or diner, although the lovely manager Anne Marie surprised us by saying she didn’t consider it a busy night.

We certainly thought it was busy, with the Friday crowd a buzzing mixture of ages from 30 to 70.

There was also a good mix of ages behind the bar – and more importantly there were plenty of people there too – handy if you order your food at the counter, as you have to at The Griffin.

We sat in a raised dining area and perused the menu, which has plenty of choice for different tastes and budgets, and a good selection of wine.

Having suffered a Gallo 2011 Californian Sauvignon Blanc at home the night before, I was keen to start with something which actually was crisp and fruity.

The Vasse Felix Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (£5.29 for 175ml) did not disappoint.

My wife Sarah chose a Casillero Del Diablo Shiraz Rose (£3.99 for 175ml) to accompany her beautifully presented starter of Scotch & Egg (£5.99).

This combination of venison, haggis and oatmeal crumb was a texture and taste sensation with accompanying chutney – and blew my fairly nondescript Pork, Chicken and Mulled Cider Pate (£4.49) out of the water.

We were torn on deciding a main course. The Aromatic Duck (£14.99) tempted both of us, but we eventually decided on Roasted Pork Belly (£11.29) for me and a Scottish Venison Burger (£9.99) for Sarah.

My pork was complemented by an excellent red wine sauce and thick and creamy mash.

A buttery Yalumba Shiraz (£5.99 for 250ml) helped it go down very nicely indeed.

The burger was also well received by Sarah, who complimented the slightly sweet bun, although she felt the fried egg atop it superfluous, even if it had been cooked to a runny perfection.

She also thought the accompanying bowl of chips and onion rings looked anaemic and could have done with a bit more frying.

Although we were full by this point, the crumble of the day (Gooseberry and Ginger – £4.49) couldn’t be turned down.

It was accompanied by thick custard and was crisp on top, sweet in the middle and all-round gorgeous.

After two hours we left The Griffin full, content and unwound after a busy working week. It may well become a regular for us.

Contact Details

Telephone: 0118 947 5018
Website: www.thegriffincaversham.co.uk
Address:
The Griffin
10-12 Church Road
Caversham
RG4 7AD

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Most recent user comments 11 of 11

Could this have been a more biased article or more blatant attempt at advertising an unpopular pub/restaurant?! I think not.

In Caversham we are blessed with places to eat with the likes of Myalacarte, Quattro, Alto Lounge, Spice Oven, Bina Tandoori and Kyrenia, whilst The Moderation, Standard Tandoori and Al Tarboush are just over the bridge.

The Griffin is pre-cooked, frozen food that is microwaved by the waitresses. Nobody in their right mind goes there for food.

Cicero
21/10/2012 at 16:22

Last time I ate here I went for a mediterranean vegetable pie. The pie was still frozen in the middle and tasted vile, the potatoes were cold, I had no apology from the staff, and they had the cheek to try and charge us for both the still-frozen pie and the replacement. That was the first and only time I have ever had to send food back to the kitchen & complain. Never been back and never will. It used to be great, but something went horribly wrong that day and I can't forgive such appalling service.

IC Fluffyclouds, Caversham
16/10/2012 at 22:34

@David Williams, as a fairly regular customer of this excellent establishment I'd say it wouldn't make a blind bit of difference. The service is always first class. Once had the luck to observe a few older people complaining they wouldn't do food "Off Menu" and noisely stating "They'd do it at the Mansion House" before leaving. But aside from a few moaning ald gets I don't think I have ever seen anyone leave unhappy when I have been there. George, if you ever get the chance to sample the Lamb Shanks they are excellent. Might I also suggest going for the Sweet Potatoe Fries next time as they are amazzing and far superior to the standard fries.

cavroader
12/10/2012 at 12:47

Oh and the pointer on your map is in the wrong place - Griffin is BEFORE Buck side from the Caversham Bridge. What a willock.

David Williams, Reading
11/10/2012 at 19:39

Map is wrong, must be off the Iphone5 !

ReadingBerkshireUK, Reading
11/10/2012 at 19:37

You let them know you were going to review their restaurant when you booked ? Outstanding way to get treated better than ordinary punters and not get an impression of the 'real' Griffin. So, would you then, I suppose, recommend we all tell them we are restaurant reviewers when we phone them for a table? I wonder what their service and food is like when they don't know you're a restaurant reviewer. What a willock.

David Williams, Reading
11/10/2012 at 19:36

Fight!

Bigboy, woodley
11/10/2012 at 10:29

The map is wrong. The Griffin is on the other side of Buckside. Nice pub by the way...

JC, Woodley
11/10/2012 at 08:47

Not a bad little establishment by all accounts. Not quite up to the standard of the Back of Beyond but good all the same.

Toilet Tony
10/10/2012 at 15:50

The map is right

News Ed Reading
10/10/2012 at 15:39

Map is wrong.

One who knows, Chaversham
10/10/2012 at 13:17

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