We are
currently exploring a hot bed of foodie pubs on the outskirts of Chichester,
and today's target on our hotlist was The Coach and Horses. As its name
suggests, it was originally a coach house in the 17th century, so it has that
priceless character that can only be found in an old English pub.
Neither of
us had been to Compton before, so we were looking forward to a new landscape,
and hopefully some good food. I must admit that some of that excitement swiftly
drained away upon entering the pub. Not to say there is anything fundamentally wrong
with the pub, it was more that dreaded feel of a ghost pub. It was a little bit
too cold inside, we were the only people there, and it was deathly silent,, one
of my pet hates. We were however greeted warmly enough, and to be fare, they
did stoke up the fire once we had taken a seat., although a bit of background
music wasn't so forthcoming. Quick note to any landlords out there. It's not
good for the atmosphere when every word you say can be overheard by the staff,
it makes people slightly uncomfortable.
The menu
wasn't bad at all though, and we quickly found something that tickled our
interest buds. I was already contemplating the fish pie when we were informed
that the fish had come in fresh that morning. With that in mind, I stuck with
the pie, while Dad went for fish and chips. This is where I usually talk about
prices, but I think I'll come back to that later. The main bulk of food on
offer is advertised on the specials board, but there is also a bar menu if you
fancy something a bit lighter.
As we
waited for our food, with my coat still on I might add, a few other people
joined us in the bar. It helped the atmosphere along and made it easier to talk
amongst ourselves. I was quite impressed with the look of my pie when it
arrived, clearly homemade and in its own little dish, topped with a crown of
mash and cheese. At a second glance though, I felt it looked a bit lonely,
crying out for a chunk of crusty bread. The pie itself was delicious, I
couldn't really fault it. A very tasty and creamy sauce, possibly laced with tarragon,
carried the cod, salmon, smoked haddock and prawns beautifully. Dad's fish was
also beautiful, all the better for its freshness. It was encased in a lovely
crisp batter and accompanied by homemade tartar sauce. The chips, although not homemade,
were cooked well and were also of the crispy persuasion.
Now we come
to the cost of described meal. My fish pie was over £14. Baring in mind it was
literally just a fish pie, no salad or bread, I think that's pushing it. Yes it
contained fresh fish, but in truth, you don't actually get that much fish in a
fish pie. Dad's fish and chips was about £12.50, which you can just about get
away with, although for that price we'd like to see homemade chips.
In essence
this is a nice pub serving nice food, but as with so many pubs it is a case of
nearly. Just a few simple adjustments could turn this nearly pub in to a
special one. It would be the work of a moment to get the fire on before the
lunchtime trade begins and unleash a relaxing playlist. What might not be quite
so easily addressed is the price of the food. I don't pretend to know what
individual pubs pay for their produce, but I do know what I pay for it, and I
know how to cook it, and we don't think those things balance out in some of the
pricier pubs we've visited.
This may
just be one of those pubs which is best visited in the evening, or in the
Summer months, maybe we were unlucky in visiting the one day when the stereo
had broken. Regardless of these minor imperfections, we wouldn't put you off a
visit to The Coach and Horses, just dress warm and maybe take your own i-pod
speaker.
Atmosphere 5
Service 7
Food 8
Value 6
Verdict 3.5*
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