The Withies Inn, Compton

My friend and I went to the Withies for Sunday lunch yesterday. Nothing much had changed in the 5 years since I moved away from the area; it's still quaint in a down at heel sort of way. We settled in to a table and ordered our roast dinners. We didn't even look at the menu as we had already decided that, being Sunday, a roast was in order and, as we arrived, we had been informed that we could have either lamb or beef, before we had even opened our mouths to speak.
The roasts were duly served by an ancient looking chap in a burgundy waistcoat, which was a little incongruous in a country pub, and were very pleasant, if not exceptional.
We should have looked at the menu as we arrived, as we were genuinely amazed when we came to pay the bill. Two roasts and two drinks came to the grand total of �38.70. Slightly stunned and assuming the sweet old lady behind the bar had muddled our bill up with a family of four or a couple who'd maybe had a dessert and a coffee as well, I asked how much the roasts were. "�16.50" she beamed. Obviously noticing the look of horror on my face, she blurted, "But the beef was the very best sirloin". I'm sure it was, but at that price I would have expected my lamb to be the Lamb of God.
Still reeling, we went outside for a cigarette. Presently the sweet old lady opened the door and helpfully suggested that we could go around the side of the pub where there were heaters, as it was a bit chilly. "We'll probably have to put a pound in the meter to make it work" we sniggered, sotto voce.
So, unless you feel like paying London prices for an unexceptional pub lunch, in a down at heel, dark environment, I would recommend you try any of the other excellent pubs there are in the area. We won't be going back.

9 Mar 2009 10:24