it'd been open for at least six months before i decided it was time to visit the newly renovated greyhound in sydenham. it was the first proper autumnal day since summer ended, when the first jumper of the season came out of hiding and the leather jacket finally got its day in the sun. or, rain, really. and, there's nothing like a rainy sunday that puts a hot roast and a cold wine at the top of your "to-do" list. i grabbed charley and the rainbow umbrella, and off we went.
the pub was heaving, no doubt, but the very cute and very cheeky waiter found us a seat with a view regardless. the wine list was epic so i went for "whatever was open and cold", and charley followed suit. there's nothing quite like that first sip of a crisp white wine, is there? especially while the rain comes down outside, and you can feel the wine warming you up from the inside, and there's a pub dog, and there's an open fire and everyone is warm and happy... oh, take me baaaack!
i went for the roast pork, with all the trimmings. since ditching the meat-free lifestyle on the advice of the nutritionist, i've revelled in being able to order the more traditional roasts again.. though, it still feels very naughty. the pork was tender and juicy, and there was a chunk of impossible-to-eat crackling right there on the side of it too. a giant yorkshire pud, several incredible roasted potatoes, a couple giant florets of broccoli, and a mashed swede made up the rest of the plate, and it came out drowwwwning in rich and flavoursome gravy. i've said it before and i'll say it again, but put a plate of gravy in front of me, and i'll make sure it's mopped up with a yorkie quicker than you can ask for the pepper.
we were in the pub probably less than an hour, the service in there was that efficient; and that's despite how busy it was in there. they've got rainy sundays down to a tee, which is great for me, as it now means i can easily grab myself that long-lusted after sunday dinner jobby i can never be bothered to rustle up myself, whenever i want. and, with four options to choose from, at least i won't get bored..!
