The Pug and Greyhound, Great Glen

A gorgeous summer evening – a gorgeous village pub. The Pug & Greyhound is in Great Glen, a large picturesque village to the south of Leicester.

This is the third in the Midlands based Pug Pubs group, owned and run by a dynamic duo with a huge amount of experience in this industry. Since opening around 8 months ago, the restaurant and bar areas have already been updated from the old tired decor of the previous tenants and they have great plans to improve other areas including the large gardens. For a very higgly piggly old building they’ve done a great job of creating a light and modern feel. Take a closer look and you’ll see lots of  nods to the mighty pug too! And if you’re really lucky, there might be a real pug there!

The manager Gray was extremely welcoming when Vicky and I arrived and told us we’d be tasting some of their favourite items from the menu. Fortunately we had our eating heads on (of course!) as the food was plentiful.

To start we tried a selection of items from their starters and sharers sections. Where to begin?

• Jimmy Butler’s pork crackling with spiced apple sauce
• Rustic breads with balsamic & olive oil
• Chargrilled pear, gem lettuce, blue cheese & candied walnuts
• Braised Aubrey Allen brisket of beef & Sparkenhoe cheese croquettes with a Langton ale chutney.
• Slow cooked ham hock & smoked chicken terrine with piccalilli

The stand out dish was the gammon rib-eye. Vicky and I were fighting over it. Smoky and rich in flavour, the meat was perfectly balanced by a perfectly runny egg yolk and that moreish creamy mustard sauce. I could not fault that dish. Well done Jimmy Butler (their chosen pig farmer), you are doing everything right!

The sirloin was cooked perfectly and melted in the mouth but for me, I found the butter a little bland. I preferred the stronger flavour of the butter which came with the chicken – to the point that I was dipping my chips in it (diet out the window). The chicken too was cooked perfectly and I think a rotisserie section (plus the stone baked pizza section) on the menu will also appeal well to the masses.

In conclusion

As you can imagine, we were way too stuffed for pudding although I’m sure they would have all been delicious. I was really impressed with my visit to the Pug & Greyhound. It ticks all the boxes for a good country pub – friendly and knowledgable staff, comfortable surroundings and great pub food. If I had to find one criticism – and this is a small one – there were no symbols on the menu for V, GF, VG which isn’t a problem for me, I eat everything, but could be irritating for some.

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat just south of Leicester, this is the one. I’ll be back for pudding – and more gammon- soon! Price wise, this place is very reasonable too with starters from £3 – £5 and mains from £9 – £21.