The Chicken Goujons

First published September 2014.

Review by Julia Church

The Coach House pub on Chelsham Common, Warlingham is a hidden gem. It is off the beaten track - to get there from Warlingham, drive past Sainsbury’s then turn left at the roundabout and keep going until you see the pub facing Chelsham Green on your right. It has an impressive, traditional facade on the front but is surprisingly modern and sylish inside. For my friend Julie it was her first visit. She had no trouble finding the pub and arrived in the large car park before me. Her first re- action when we sat down at our table in the dining area was: “This is a very pleasant place, very relaxed.” She was particularly impressed by the lighting which she said she would like to try and copy for her art gallery ‘RT Gallery’ in Merstham.

We had a lovely meal, accompanied by a nice, chilled bottle of Pino Grigot. The food was all home-cooked, even the accompaniment of garlic and chilli crisps with a selection of dips.

We had a fantastic Medley of Starters to share that had Mini Bruschettas with Tomato and Onion/Sun- blushed Tomato and Anchovies/Cajun Chicken toppings, perfectly cooked barbeque spare ribs and crispy prawn balls which, Julie said, had a slight “spicy kick”. The starter came with three lovely dips - Balsamic syrup, chilli oil and Thai sweet mayonnaise. The starters were garnished with a generous portion of salad and looked wonderful.

Our main courses looked just as mouthwatering. Julie had the home-made chicken goujons with a breadcrumb coating which she said were the best she had ever tasted!

I had the cheese and broccoli bake, one of the vegetarian options. It tasted beautiful, was creamy and filling and came with some garlic bread.

Although pretty full by now, we could not resist the Vanilla Cheesecake with Brown Sugar Coating and the Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert.

 “I will seriously recommend this food and will definitely return!” said Julie.
The food is very reasonably priced with several main courses costing under £10, including our choices. The pub also serves a selection of Light Bights of baguettes or baked potato with a choice of fillings for just £5.95 and Sunday roasts at £7.95 for one course, £10.95 for two courses and £12.95 for three courses.