Fiddlin' Pig - Smithfield, VA
Summary
The Fiddlin’ Pig is a traditional British Pub in historic Smithfield, VA. During my visit I tried an ale with a savory pie and a side of mashed potatoes and mushy peas. I found the food and experience to be simple but enjoyable.
Food Overall
Service
Atmosphere
Location
Value for Money
Overall
What I Ordered
Chicken, Leak, & Mushroom Pie
$18
The chicken leak mushroom pie is a savory single person pie served with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy and mushy peas. The pie was a good serving size with plenty of chicken though it was a bit bland. I recommend pouring some of the gravy on it. The mashed potatoes were real fresh made mashed potatoes but seemed to be unseasoned. However, the gravy was fresh and absolutely amazing. Also, the serving of mushy peas was small but mighty! I found them very creamy ad pleasant.
Cask Brown Ale
$8
I found this beer to be a simple, pleasant, and easy drinking ale
Overall Food
The Fiddlin’ Pig has a simple menu of pub fare and British classic dishes including savory pies, bangers and mash, fish and chips, and a couple curry dishes. Additionally, they boast a brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The drink menu includes some American staples as well as some ales from abroad. Overall, the food was fresh, pleasant, and hearty. Though I enjoyed the food, it did seem to play into the stereotype of British cuisine lacking seasoning. However, the gravy was absolutely to die for, so I would recommend getting extra and pouring it on everything.
Service
The service at the Fiddlin’ Pig is very good. They were well staffed, friendly, and professional. An owner or manager greeted everyone at the door and was very energetic. You ordered everything at the bar and then took a number to your table. Also, you could seat yourself and then your food was brought out to you.
Atmosphere
Size
It looked like there were about 10 tables inside and then a large outdoor seating area with another 10.
Who Goes Here?
Most of the folks dining were groups of friends or adult families.
Overall Atmosphere
The atmosphere at the Fiddlin’ Pig is a casual British Pub. The furniture was simple wood with a small number of sports paraphernalia and flags used as décor. Moreover, I found it to be quite clean and tidy, especially for a pub. The bar was a very traditional attractive pub bar and was the focal point of the room. Additionally, there were several large TVs showing international sports that gave the feel of a sports bar. Also, the overall atmosphere was very lively and energetic. I believe they also host events like live music and trivia nights throughout the year. Lastly, they have a classic British Phone Booth out front that is charming and could be a good spot for photos.
Location
The location of the Fiddlin’ Pig in Smithfield, VA is top notch. It is in the heart of the historic main street section of Smithfield surrounded by many quaint shops, restaurants, and historic sites. It is also across from the area farers markets are held in regularly. There is parking available right across the street. Additionally, the area is very walkable.
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Value for money
I found the Fiddlin’ Pig to be a good value for your money. It is fairly priced with hearty, good quality food with a pleasant atmosphere. It is a very convenient place to dine if you want a casual filling meal while visiting the historic area in Smithfield.
Overall
All in all, the Fiddlin’ Pig is a pleasant little British Pub in the historic district of Smithfield, VA. They offer hearty British classics that are a tad bland but decent. They have a very lively atmosphere with a bar and sports viewing. I would recommend the Fiddlin’ Pig to anyone looking for a filling meal while visiting town or looking for a good spot to watch sports.
