Elizabeth Black / 11 January 2025 / Categories: Food & Drink, Pubs, Restaurants

The Griffin Inn Swithland Leicestershire

The whole experience

My friend took me to this place situated near Bradgate Park in Swithland, between villages of Cropston and Thurcaston, the drive alone on a crisp January day, the sun bouncing off the icy landscape was magical. The most picturesque visual through sprawling woodlands and that’s before we even arrived.

The buildings, a long barn like structure at the front is impressive, and as we entered we walked into a large atrium where there is an impressive bar and I noticed a beautiful dramatic lantern line stretching the length of the bar.

Adjacent to that a super cool looking outdoor area that would not be out of place in Aspen. Large wooden tables with comfy couches and fluffy blankets. It was too cold for us but amazing when things warm up a bit.

And talking of warming up, the bar area in the front, a series of cosy snugs all enjoying the warmth of roaring fires.

I am not surprised this spot has been awarded Leicestershire’s pub if the year; 2023 and 2024. So many things to like.

Even the menu, for me there were 2 plant based choices which is exceptional even though the offering is definitely meat focused, many of the sides were also vegan friendly.

We had 2 mains and two cocktails and the bill including the tip (service charge was not included) came to £60.

The food was good, the skin on fries definitely above average and the place was busy, which considering the temperature outside it was lovely to see a business thriving.

All in all a very good experience and I would definitely return. The only thing I would give a note on, my friend had booked a table but when we arrived there was a question over the booking which wasn’t handled in the best way and ended with her proving herself by finding an email. In their defence it was busy.

Which is possibly too why the service was a bit slow, took about 15 minutes to take the order and then it felt like quite a wait for the food, which thankfully was tasty.

One final thing I noticed was donations going to Rainbows Hospice a local children’s charity when anyone goes for the “Cricket Bat” there are two options, a meat one and a cheese one, for meat eaters and veggies they did look fantastic, antipasta, olives, artichokes, a whole host of delights.

FYI we didn’t get table 53, but if you like a fire it’s the best table in the house.