Scarlett Arms, Walliswood

We stumbled across this pub quite by accident, but were very pleased we did. We planned to visit the Parrot up the road but were rather rudely turned away (we had been told on the phone they were fully booked but were told that it would be no problem eating at the bar if we arrived early, but were give fairly short thrift on arrival).

What a contrast the Scarlett Arms was though � the landlady was very welcoming (if a little flustered at the number of customers all arriving at once), as was the chatty old boy sat at the bar.

Unfortunately we were placed on our own in a small (and cold) room behind the main bar, but given it was almost 1300 on a busy Sunday lunchtime, we were grateful for any table at all. The room was a bit grim, but the rest of the pub was lovely with plenty of log fires. Despite this the food was first class, which more than made up for it.

As a starter the four of us shared a 'charcuterie platter' which was a superb pile of bread, hams, olives and salamis - and real value for four people at �12 (we were expecting half the amount for that price, but there was plenty to go round four people).The Sunday roast had big portions and at around �10-11 was good value, unlike many country pubs which I note are creeping toward London pricing of �15 for a main course.

Would definitely revisit, although would make sure booked a table in the main bar and not take pot luck again.

21 Mar 2011 12:40