This evening we ended up at The Star Inn located in Rusper, West Sussex for a bite to eat and was not planned. A friend of mine in South Africa asked me to drop off a gift/food parcel for his son so this place was not far away and we knew this place served good food. I never took a photo of the outside as it was raining and 3 degrees and I was wearing a t shirt. I hate wearing jackets and jerseys plus most places have heating.
The owner is Greek and was the owner when we last ate here in 2004 and 21 years later by chance he was still here. Last month he had sold the pub/restaurant and tonight had decided to come in and help out after flying back in from Greece on Saturday. What were the chances of seeing him again after 21 years? He was amazed that after21 years we had returned and appreciated us acknowledging his great food.
This restaurant was within 5 minutes of where we used to live and this particular village I tried to buy the local farm 25 years ago and failed with the sealed bid auction. Life would have been so different if we had won the bid and maybe in hind sight should have gone higher.
The food is all home made and the special board is great offering a large variety of different dishes. We tried the Scotch eggs which is basically a boiled egg encased in sausage meat covered in bread crumbs and deep fried. I haven't had a Scotch egg in years as this is not something we would find on menus in South Africa.
The other starter we ordered was Pork Belly Bites with a salad which was amazing. The Pork Belly is cooked in ginger ale and was so sweet and juicy. I was tempted to order pork off the main menu, but this was enough taste and try a different dish.
We had a couple of pints of Apple Cider and with me driving was two was enough and there was no temptation to have more. The last time I drank any alcohol was last year so this is a rare occasion.
The interior is very old beams and a low hanging ceiling designed for short people. The building dates back to 1486 so this is a proper old building with character.
Here are the starters we shared and was amazed they could still get the yolk soft and the bread crumbs crispy. We never had to book as most people come out later in the evening and the restaurant was fully booked, The food has to be great for any place to be booked out on a Monday night.
I had fish battered in beer batter and chips as I have fish so rarely and will rarely eat meat out because I prefer cooking meat myself. Granny had the Calves Liver and bacon with mash, red and green cabbage with a honey type glazing and a deep rich gravy.
I know Bozz ddoes not eat liver and does not know what he is missing and is not like other internal organs. I am fussy and this is a delicacy that cannot be missed if on a specials menu. There was no room for desserts and if something was shouting eat me on the menu I probably would have eaten more. The only other item I should of had was an Irish Coffee, but having had 2 ciders thought best to have those tomorrow.
The total bill with starters mains and drinks was 75 GBP with tips and I thought this was fair value for what we had. You do not mind paying a little extra when the atmosphere and service matches the quality of food.