The Compasses Inn, Crundale

I have just returned from a meal at the Compasses at Crundale. Today being 14th September, and was pleasantly surprised.

The pub itself is a grand old proper pub, as I would describe it with lots of parking and a huge garden with both a children's area with climbing frames and slides and a quiet area. I must admit I did notice a large BBQ as well, so it will be interesting next summer.

The insides are exactly what i expected from a country pub, nice old brasses, big fire and lovely old pictures on the walls. Very clean both inside and outside, and even though I am a smoker, I always value whether cigarette butts have been swept up and here they had.

The front of the pub has some nice planters with flowers with a number of tables and benches out front, but the garden is the place to be. There are also the signs of a bat and trap pitch, again something to investigate another time.

The bar had a few people already inside, it was only 6.30 but there were already a few tables occupied. We went straight to the bar and were greeted by the new landlords Phil and Angela, ( The pub has recently changed hands, the week before I think) both of who greeted us as we arrived and asked for a table.

There was a specials board showing it was curry night, and the smells passing us were delicious, however, we were brought the menu and the steak sounded lovely. One of my friends had the chicken, with whisky, and my wife had the haddock. My friend told them that she could not have cream, and as the food is cooked to order, the chef was able to prepare hers differently.

What can I say about the meal, it was wonderful, two of us had steaks, both requesting different ways (i'm a medium well done, and he is a medium rare) and both steaks looked as they should, some places don't do it right.

As we were eating, we were checked on that everything was alright and if we needed drinks, which was a nice touch. We were having trouble deciding on whether to have a dessert or not, but the landlady said the chef was making a banoffee pie, and we were welcome to have some, if we preferred. Well crazy question, we all said yes, and it was lovely. I had been tempted by the cheese slate, but Banoffee pie always wins. This was excellent, one of the best I've had.

The service was terrific, we never felt rushed at all, and the pub was busy. We even had time to pop outside to smoke between the meal and dessert without feeling pushed.

An extra nice touch was when we commented on how nice the food was (amazing) and that the chef must be good, we were introduced to him. Very nice touch as many people never bother passing on good comments.

The place seems to have a lot of locals, and its nice to see some old and young faces all seeming to be having fun, and the landlords seem to be actively involved so it has a nice warm social feeling to it.

While I was there I asked if they were doing a Christmas menu, to which we were shown some handouts for all the planned events over the next month or so, and a Christmas menu. One look, and the little word of rabbit made my mind up there and then (although there are a few other tasty choices). The prices were very good, the Christmas meal looks amazing and the pub is friendly. I can already imagine the place at Christmas.

After all this, I have booked the Christmas meal. If its anything like tonight's meal, its going to be good.

The pub is a fair distance from my home in Ashford and is, but I think you can call this a destination pub. It's somewhere I think I am going to be happy to call into when I want to go out. I'm taking my mother in law in the next few weeks and I wouldn't dare do that if I was unsure, lol

Well done to the new landlords, although I feel sorry for some of the other country pubs who have now just met a new challenger for my devotion and there are some great ones that we travel to. All I can say is keep up the good work and thanks for making tonight great

14 Sep 2011 22:19