Restaurant of the month: December  2020 

The Griffin Inn

The Griffin Inn is a locally owned pub, restaurant and Inn based in St Helens, Merseyside.  In January 2020, the current owners completed a full refurbishment to create a cosy country feel with open fires in the snug rooms.  The new bar area is the perfect place to enjoy drinks and tapas  with friends  Whilst the open plan restaurant gives the flexibility to accomodate those wanting to enjoy an intimate meal or for larger family celebrations.

Menus range from tapas and bar snacks to some of the finest quality restaurant meals in the area.  The kitchen team are imaginatve and produce a daily Specials Board which keeps the customers going back fro more.  The  restaurant use locally sourced, high quality produce where possible, to support other businesses in the area.  

Those who visit comment on the relaxed atmosphere and the friendly welcome they receive from staff, which together with good food makes for a perfect experience.

Love British Food chatted to Executive Chef Sean Noonan and General Manager Colin Whittle to find out more about The Griffin Inn.

Why do you do what you do?

For the love and passion of food and enjoy putting a smile on customers faces with the food we produce.  It's something I've always wanted to do as a career from a young age.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The ability to be creative and have freedom in what food we develop for our guests. 

What do you enjoy least about your job?

Currently dealing with COVID restrictions.  But normally there's nothing I don't love about my job. 

What achievement for the restaurant are you most proud of?

Being picked as Restaurant of the Month for Love British Food.  Also myself winning North West Young Chef Semi Final in 2019.

Do you use British produce?

We use a lot of British produce I have a love for supporting local and using fresh, seasonal and local.  We source a lot of our food from within 30 miles of the  pub and try to support local and independent business who we purchase from.

What do you think is best about using British produce?

The quality and the flavours of our produce is unreal and not many countries could match it.

Why should people buy British?

To help support the whole British food economy, but also to help with food miles and support the local farmers and businesses.

What is your most popular dish?

It would probably be a tie with our steak and ale pie with creamed potatoes and greens and jus. Or the roasted chicken supreme with wild mushroom and tarragon penne.  But for dessert it would have to be sticky toffee pudding with salted Caramel Ice Cream.