The Greyhound Inn in Pettistree in Suffolk named best in UK

The Greyhound Inn in Pettistree reopened in November 2022 under the ownership of friends Cassidy Hughes, Will Orrock and then-head chef Harry Mckenzie.

Though it had only been open for a few months, The Greyhound was named one of Estrella Damm's top 100 gastropubs in the UK in January 2023, placing at number 87. 

"We are not sure yet where we have placed this year," said Mr Orrock.

"We are hoping it is better than last year but we are just thrilled to be back on the list!"

The pub runs a game pie and game evening, with the pie filling changing weekly (Image: The Greyhound Inn)

Mr Orrock believes that it is the pub's regular menu changes and traditional British cooking which helps it to earn the accolades. 

"Depending on the deliveries that we get in, the dishes on our menu change weekly," he said.

"We champion local produce in humble dishes, serving fresh food that is available on the day from local producers rather than produce that has been shipped around the UK and world.

"We have a popular Sunday feasting menu and a dish with a pig's head on it.

"We were worried about the reaction but kids love the theatre of it - and it means that we are using every part of an animal."

The pub is one of the most idyllic in Suffolk (Image: The Greyhound Inn)

He also acknowledges that the atmosphere of the pub is key to what keeps bringing people back. 

"It is a little pub, and we can only take 30 to 40 people per meal. 

"It is really cosy by the fire and I personally love it when has a long lunch and tucks into the food that we love serving."

The Unruly Pig, just around the corner in Bromeswell, has made it into the list of the top 50 gastropubs, having yo-yoed between first and second place for several years now.

Adam Spicer, who was a finalist in MasterChef: The Professionals in 2019, joined the team as head chef in September.

The pub welcomed new chef Adam Spicer to the team in September (Image: The Greyhound Inn)

"He is full of life and we are really enjoying having him on the team," said Mr Orrock. 

"He masters rural Suffolk cooking and is a fantastic chef."

The Greyhound Inn will be closed between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, though has a celebratory menu planned for New Year's Eve which will include the most "indulgent and delicious" food available, including caviar and local truffles from Rendlesham. 

Cassidy Hughes and Will Orrock have taken the pub from strength to strength (Image: Newsquest)

"It is a good excuse to have some fun, celebrate, and be over the top," said Mr Orrock.

"We've been thoroughly enjoying our time at The Greyhound and still have smiles on our faces."

The Greyhound is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm to 10.30pm, and Sunday from 12pm to 6pm.