Once one of the richest towns in England, the Suffolk town of Lavenham is steeped in history. We spent a lovely day exploring its medieval buildings and tales last weekend (more on Lavenham’s attractions to come in a separate post).
Of course, we hadn’t booked anywhere for lunch – and, being a Sunday, this was probably a bad idea. After a “no room at the inn” from one place, we were directed to the High Street where we were told The Greyhound might be able to accommodate us…and we were in luck.
Like most of Lavenham, The Greyhound pub is steeped in history. It’s one of over 320 listed buildings in the town and the original building dates back to 1324…when it housed the town gaol. Since at least 1730, though, there’s been an inn on the site – and in the 1800s it was home to a butcher and slaughterhouse, too.
Meat and beer…exactly what we were after to fuel us for the rest of our exploration of the town. On their website they boldly proclaim that they serve “the best Sunday roast in the area”…so instead of their small plates and sharing platters, we decided the roasts were a must-try.
There’s no denying the price is punchy: £17.50 for chicken or pork, £20 for beef. What a beautiful setting, though: a dimly-lit timbered-ceilinged corner area festooned with fairy lights, lined with comfortable bench seating and various bits and bobs adorning the shelves.
There are two small outdoor seating areas too, and from the passageway through from the High Street to the rear of the pub, you have a great view of The Crooked House on the other side of the road.
Before our mains arrived (chicken for me, beef across the table), a bowl of cauliflower and broccoli cheese appeared (in my eyes, an essential part of a roast dinner). We’d not known what to expect from the “seasonal vegetables” that the menu promised, but this was a good start. With plenty of melted cheese on top, a rich cheesy sauce throughout and beautifully cooked veg, I’d happily have eaten the whole bowl myself.
And then, the main event. First thoughts? It looked generous: a huge piece of skin-on chicken on the bone sitting on a mound of veg, with three plump roasties and a sizeable Yorkie on the side.
Overall, I was pretty impressed. The chicken was juicy and full of flavour. The greens were cooked nicely, the parsnips and carrots meltingly tender. The Yorkie looked pretty dark in colour but was actually delicious, and while the potatoes could have been a little crisper on the outside, they were fork-tender in the middle.
On the other side of the table, the beef was a hit too: served lovely and pink. The only thing we thought was lacking was some extra gravy in a jug in the middle of the table.
At £17.50/£20 depending on the choice of meat, Sunday lunch at The Greyhound in Lavenham was a little steeper than we’d normally pay. However, with delicious food, huge portions, a beautiful setting and great service, it was perfect for our needs on that day. We’d definitely head back when we’re next in Lavenham.