The Vineyard, Lamberhurst

My Husband and I(no not them)plus one small dog have eaten many times at the Swan, Lamberhurst so I felt I had to offer my views when I read the 'user views' recently.
We have always received a very warm welcome and have sampled most of the menu, which I would regard as varied and a bit different. The food is excellent, plentiful and always beautifully presented. As for portions being small, in my opinion they're quite the opposite. On our last visit we had apple crumble, luckily we only ordered one as even with two hearty appetites we had a job to eat it all. My Husband often has steak [which he has to share with said dog] and still finds plenty left for himself. The sandwiches may be �6.50 but they're a meal in themselves with lashings of filling and a crispy fresh salad.
Yes, I'll admit the service can be a bit slow but what does it matter - you're hardly rushing back to the office - unless it's in the middle of a field.
This is a levely old country pub which we're more than happy to sit in for a few hours. We always sit in the Bar and have ever only heard one customer complain. On paying he was asked if he had enjoyed his meal......"I didn't expect to find a bone in the fish pie". Well, it gave us a good laugh!
Any pub or restaurant that serves food quicker is probably just sticking it in a microwave. If food is cooked to order you've got to expect to wait.
Yes, weekends are extremely busy and you do need to book, but surely this is a good sign?
As for the Manageress - she's lovely - I did'nt know you needed A Level in English Language to manage a pub - still we live and learn.
Lastly, just tell Mervyn to stop coming for his 'tasteless food' - it'll leave more room for us!
All in all, if you're not in too much of a hurry, I'd happily give the Swan 10 out of 10.
Lawton/Jill/Denzil

21 Aug 2007 17:33