Located within a 17th-century Grade II-listed coach house in Beaconsfield Old Town, The Greyhound is a pub and restaurant that promises a modern British menu coupled with warm and friendly service. Recently renovated by husband and wife team Daniel and Margriet – who have been honing their hospitality skills within Michelin-starred restaurants in London and the Home Counties – The Greyhound promises to be one of the new must-visit dining destinations in Buckinghamshire.
It might look quaint and cosy from the street, but The Greyhound is surprisingly spacious once you’re inside, with a ground-floor dining room and a bar area upstairs. The restaurant has a traditional British appeal, with squishy leather seats set at polished, dark wooden tables. Drinks are served in traditional cut glass, with polished gold paper straws poking out, while feather napkin rings add a luxe feel to the traditional setting.
Bar snacks come with a gourmet upgrade from the usual pub grub, including egg and bacon crumpets and bites of salmon tartare with ponzu and seaweed. Diners can choose from a set lunch menu starting from a reasonable £20 for two courses or peruse the à la carte, which features a line-up of seasonal modern British classics.
We skipped the starters, though the plates of pork belly with caramelised onions, hispi cabbage and pickle being carried past our table suggested that this is the dish to order. Our main of braised pork with broccoli and pea purée was neatly presented, with a jug of pork jus to pour over. The broccoli was steamed to maintain its flavour and vibrant colour, while the melt-in-the-mouth meat had an added bite thanks to a generous topping of roasted hazelnuts.
A vegetarian option of butternut squash gnocchi offered a crunchy exterior that was beautifully contrasted with a soft and buttery centre and was served with goats’ cheese curds and fresh herbs from the garden – a lovely nod to the use of homegrown and sustainable produce.
The pudding menu is carefully thought through and there’s an ever-changing cheeseboard served with seasonal condiments. We chose the apple crumble served with yoghurt, and the chocolate cremeux – a mint ice-cream with coconut purée and a sprinkling of fresh mint. Instead of large, decadent portions, the desserts offer just enough of a treat to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Be sure to leave some time to head upstairs to the bar area. Not simply an afterthought to the restaurant, it’s a hidden gem for drinkers in Beaconsfield, with buttery soft leather sofas, a chunky wooden bar and a carefully selected wine list, along with a host of locally brewed ales.
Great food, friendly staff and a relaxing environment just might make The Greyhound one of our new regular haunts.