I have known the Lamb for years: back from when Derek Benstead had it. But what really surprised me on this trip was the carnage among the pubs of this area. There are virtually no pubs left unless they are food led and most villages no longer have a local. That is a disaster for communities with no central point: all the usual suspects are blamed from drink driving to smoking bans but the sheer price of a pint of old and filthy at three quid plus is given as the main reason. I personally blame drink driving as much as anything else.
I visited The Lamb on a Monday night and there was a good crowd in and the bar, as well as the restaurant, was hopping. I suppose with all the competition closed it should have been like that but still there was a great atmosphere and that means a lot. There is much racing memorabilia in the bar supplied by a local trainer and owner (I think). The hotel is run by a mother and son team and they both seemed very personable and they were under pressure when we arrived.
My starter was Smoked Pigeon Breast - On Root Vegetable Cake, Port & Juniper Sauce. I liked the bits that went with it more than the pigeon breast that for me was too smoky but no doubt that is a matter of taste. The Beer Braised Pork Belly - With Caramelized Apple Stuffing, On Roasted Root Vegetable Cake, Beer & Pork Jus, Seasonal Vegetables - was recommended and it is probable not a dish I would have selected but I thoroughly enjoyed it - the meat was very tender and tasty as was the accompaniment.
There was a sensible wine list and we happily quaffed a couple of bottles of reasonably priced mid range wine.
All in all a great little pub which is well worth a detour especially as it is run by good people who work to provide the right things.