The Greyhound Inn is hard to miss if one travels through the centre of the enigmatically historic Corfe Castle, as the 
gastropub is literally at the portcullis of the ruined castle! The mind conjures up ideas of hooves on cobbled streets, smokey ambiance & bustles of 11th-century love & war! Today the town is patronised by visitors, historians, campers, hikers & hungry diners – rather like me!
The pub itself is a labyrinth of narrow corridors that have been cleverly routed to allow for distancing, and the tables are set in the split level bar/restaurant area, in cosy private dining rooms & on the stunning terrace which is dominated by the castle itself! Take a breath over a cocktail or two & marvel at the incredible magnitude of the ruins as you order from the bistro-style menu.
The staff members are delighted to welcome everyone with a smile, & while chatting, express their luck at having such a view while they work, & as importantly they can recite all the local ales, recommend the best dishes dependent on taste & are just charming!
The hunger conquering menu offers a sophisticated take on a classic pub menu; mezze boards, plowman’s, roti chicken, pizzas, fish & chips & mussels, with higher-end touches such as Dorset crab tien, Thai fish cakes & our choice of char-grilled halloumi, tempura prawns & infamous Scotch egg (which is back by
demand following lockdown!). The halloumi was smokey & served with a well-dressed & generous salad, as were the succulent prawns with crispy batter & chili sauce. The Scotch egg was indeed a meal – (contrary to lockdown press, yes this really is ‘substantial)!
Our main courses of the 8oz towering beef & chorizo burger in a toasted brioche were enough to satisfy William the Conqueror himself – with chunky chips & layers of bacon, cheese, lettuce, gherkin & topped with onion rings… a proper filler after an historic adventure! The classic Caesar salad with chicken was fresh, crunchy & again a really satisfying size.
We had wine by the glass – both house red & white, reasonably priced & served from a dedicated bar on the terrace itself, so wherever one is seated the service is really efficient.
Desserts are enjoyed as the light fades, fairy lights brighten the terrace, birdsong provides the backing track to the evening & still we are mesmerised by the castle remains!
Hospitality aside the location is stunning – a view that is quite unique & a memory which will stay with you for many years to come – whatever the season the standard of welcome & dining with such a breathtaking backdrop is fulfilling in every way.
We will be back…