The John Gregory, Southill, Weymouth (From Dorset Echo)

The John Gregory, Southill, Weymouth

10:07am Thursday 24th June 2010 in

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THE John Gregory in Southill, Weymouth, has really been smartened up since the first time I dined there.

During my latest visit with a colleague, there was a healthy scattering of customers in the bright restaurant.

The number of diners in there seems to suggest it has been doing quite well, especially since my co-worker and I dined there mid-week.

The décor is simple but inviting in the pub’s large dining room and the menu is filled with the kind of staple pub grub diners look for on a family-friendly evening out.

In fact, the choice was so good my fellow diner and I were unsure what to order at first.

My colleague’s first selection was a dish of chicken and scampi but we were informed there was no chicken left.

In the end I went for a starter of deep-fried brie with a relish and a simple salad.

The breaded brie was a lovely start to the meal and our waitress was both friendly and attentive.

As the main course, I chose the carvery and really enjoyed it.

I asked for the roast pork and was delighted with the generous portion of crackling on top of the meat.

I was also very happy to hear that I could have some roast beef too.

The roast potatoes were disappointing as they were a little dry and chewy by the time we ate our meal at around 2pm.

But the new potatoes and a lovely addition of cauliflower cheese made up for it.

I also liked the carrots and green beans and the gravy was a winner too.

My colleague went for the 8oz ribeye steak (medium rare) served with chips, onion rings, peas, mushrooms and a cooked tomato.

The steak was served a little more well-done than he had specified but he said it was still succulent and delicious nonetheless.

Everything else on his plate was top notch – the veg was not overdone and the chips were crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle.

The only downside of the meal was that it was a little too hot in the dining room – we were sitting right by the window and near the kitchen as the sun pitched in.

But as soon as my fellow diner and I noticed how hot it was, our waitress obliged us by opening a window, and it was lovely to sit there and watch the world go by as we ate.

In short, the John Gregory offers better than average, traditional pub food for a good price in comfortable, friendly surroundings.

The Bill

Deep-fried brie starter: £4.60

Carvery: £6.95

8oz ribeye steak: £13.95

Two pints of lemonade and lime: £5.00

Total: £30.50