Hinds Head Hotel

The Hinds Head is an historic 16th Century Inn in the famous gastrovillage of Bray. Taken over by acclaimed chef Heston Blumenthal (owner of the three Michelin starred Fat Duck just up the road, and the only celebrity chef named after motorway services) a couple of years back it has changed from a somewhat staid village pub to one of finest food serving pubs I have ever visited.

The emphasis is on well prepared, traditional British fare. On a recent lunch visit I started with the goats cheese tart, followed by the 8oz rump steak with marrowbone sauce and triple cooked chips. The goats cheese tart was outstanding, as I understand it the goats cheese is sourced from a local farm and it was certainly very fresh. As for the main, well the steak was excellently cooked and the sauce definately adds to the flavour. The triple cooked chips are some of the best chips I've ever eaten, they veer towards being mini roast potatos really, but still they are excellent too.

My companions had a number of different items from the menu and no one was disappointed. The potted shrimps, hotpot and mussels all were very tasty. I really can't put in to words how good the food is.

The service was really professional, the atmosphere inviting (not stuffy as few of us had expected) and the wine list extensive, the Argentinean Malbec we had was really good. Not exactly cheap for a pub meal but this ain't burger and chips down the Dog and Duck! Oh, sandwiches and bar snacks available too.

Highly recommended for those who love quality British food.