Open Mon–Fri midday–3pm, 6pm–10pm; Sat 10.30am–4.30pm, 6pm–10pm; Sun 10.30am–4pm, 4pm–9pm
This corner gastropub was packed during our visit and it’s easy to see why; it makes you feel like you have escaped city life – the interior is warm and rustic, while there is also a good-sized outside seating area.
The homemade crackling was clearly popular, hence why they ran out, so my friend and I opted for the fried whitebait with lemon aioli (£4). As quickly as the fresh and salty whitebait arrived, it disappeared. We also chose a bottle of the fruity but dry Rioja Lar de Paula from Spain (£23.50).
I started with the half-dozen Herefordshire snails with garlic and parsley butter (£8.95), while my friend chose the pan-fried Arbroath smoky fishcake with lemon and chive butter sauce and rocket (£6.95). The snails were simply presented and delicious. The fishcake was moist on the inside and delicately fried on the outside, and the fresh bread was a perfect tool to mop up the lemon and chive butter sauce.
Mains were hardy and flavoursome. I ordered the 28-day aged rib eye with red onion, field mushrooms, grilled tomato, triple cooked wedges and béarnaise sauce (£19.95). My friend had the rump of lamb with fondant potato, shallot puree, and spinach and port jus (£16.50). I’m a big lover of a nicely cooked rare piece of meat. The Sands End did not disappoint. My friend’s lamb was also perfectly tender.
My dessert of treacle tart with homemade malt ice-cream (£5.50) was a sweet tooth-lover’s dream. My friend’s frozen chocolate parfait (£5.50) with homemade pistachio ice-cream was brought out on a frozen piece of slate. The ice-creams were particularly noteworthy.
It is safe to say I will be returning and I’m hoping the famous crackling won’t have run out next time.
Meal for two, including wine, around £90.
