Greyhound, Lower Penn

Whether looking to impress someone special or simply to enjoy a memorable meal out with friends or family, diners will find the food offered at The Greyhound head and shoulders above any old pub grub.

The restaurant extension itself was added just three years ago and on first sight is instantly impressive with its high ceilings, chandeliers and marbled floor.

Tables are elegantly dressed and ideally spaced to create an atmosphere of intimate cosiness, which is further enhanced by soft candlelight and easy listening music in the background.

New owners Stacey and Simon Flavell took over in July and immediately set about making their mark by launching an updated menu which, to say the least, is impressive. The husband and wife team have successfully run The Bell pub in Kingswinford for four years and say feedback from customers about the food on offer has been complimentary.

"People are telling us they really like what we've done with the menu," said Stacey. "The a la carte menu offers a wide choice of dishes, focusing on locally-produced ingredients which are always freshly cooked.

"Vegetarian dishes are also of quality and a bit different so there really is something to suit all tastes."

The a la carte menu features around a dozen starters including fish, game and the more traditional such as soup of the day and grilled portobello mushrooms, but with a twist.

Combinations are adventurous and diners will find themselves spoiled for choice, with the same dilemma spilling into the extensive main course menu which is conveniently separated into pasta and vegetarian, fish and meat and poultry sections.

For lovers of game, the breast of pheasant coated with black pepper and served with a citrus dressing and mixed leaves (£5.95) is a good recommendation and again, a generous portion to whet the appetite.

Tempting main courses, of which there are many, include the roast monkfish (£15.95).

Very healthy as well as being a taste sensation, this meaty white fish is cooked in olive oil with baked tomatoes, peppers, red onions, basil and pine nut pesto, served with a selection of fresh market vegetables cooked to perfection - a fusion of colour and absolutely delicious to boot.

Another favourite worth mentioning is the grilled seabass (£14.95) - a whole fish filleted and filled with baby spinach and lemon slices then grilled with a parsley butter.

Again this is served up with a range of vegetables and new potatoes on the side.

For those who can still squeeze in dessert, anyone with a sweet tooth is sure to be satisfied with the classic calorific favourite - the chocolate fudge sundae (£4.95).

Layers of fudge cake, chocolate sauce, vanilla and caramel ice cream and fudge sauce is laced with Tia Maria then topped with whipped cream. Naughty, but exceptionally nice.

Offering attentive service, fine food and stylish surrounds, the eating out experience at The Greyhound is definitely time and money well spent.

ADDRESS

The Greyhound, Greyhound Lane, Lower Penn, Wolverhampton

Tel: 01902 620666

By Stella Stokes