The Fiddlin’ Pig — Restaurant in Smithfield

It might seem strange to a Briton that it has taken some four and a half or five centuries since British settlement was established in Warrascoyack (now Isle of Wight) County to build a very, very good Publick House on what must be the prime piece of real estate in the whole burg now known as “Smithfield.”

My rejoinder would be, it has taken that long for your cousins to learn to cook your bizarre dishes better than you ever have or perhaps ever will.

But during those centuries a number of displacements have had to occur to make the property available: first, the Warrascoyack Indians themselves, then my own ancestors, then the man who built Smithfield, then the Smithfield Chamber of Commerce. So it has a long history, some of it even memorably bloody but all of it I suspect memorably greedy.

Beautiful location, though.

Never in history has there been a better example of the “proof is in the pudding,” and I energetically urge anyone who has had the misfortune of being introduced to the food of Britain in an English pub, to grit your teeth if necessary, but GIVE IT ANOTHER TRY AT THE FIDDLIN’ PIG! At worst, there is Guinness Stout ON TAP, although the American owners of the restaurant still seem to fear pouring it out . . . . into its dedicated glass.

Our party of three enjoyed among us a Pub Steak, which was a cap sirloin sliced thick and served splendidly rare—to order—with what the French call “pommes frites;” and two delicious pies—chicken and mushroom and leek, and a steak and stout. What beautiful crusts!— served with mash.

“Puddin”—enough for three to share, was a peach and apple crumble, certainly one of the best desserts I have ever been served in the United States!

Each dish and each element were served hot to the table—the Pub Steak takes a bit longer to cook, but EVERYTHING IS WORTH WAITING FOR! We had an entirely enjoyable experience, although I felt cheap not leaving a tip—I hope the allegation of the owner that the wages at the Fiddlin’ Pig are princely is true!

On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, we returned for a second visit to The Fiddlin’ Pig. I was not in a receptive mood, as my stomach and I were frankly not speaking to each other as we arrived. I studied the menu much more carefully than I had on our first, as I thought I hadn’t the appetite I needed to consume any of the offerings—the portions are enormous, in case I did not mention that before—but I found in fact The Fiddlin’ Pig was waiting for me, as if sensing my distress—and in a few minutes I was miraculously restored to both health and appetite with the Pub Cheeseburger! The restorative powers of Guinness Stout should never be undervalued, of course, but I was truly amazed by how delicious the hamburger was!

So thank you once more for a wonderful meal, Publican! Sheila this time enjoyed the perfectly prepared Pub Steak she had envied me on our first visit, and Chris enjoyed one of the attractive Pies, as well as the Apple-Peach-Cranberry Crumble a la mode. The winter cold outside reminded us of how fortunate we were to have today a cozy pub to enjoy right here in...

Where do we start? We are SO happy we decided to take a walk into this sweet town on Easter Sunday. What a great surprise when we got here. From the moment we walked in we were greeted by this lovely lady with a beautiful smile. (Later we found out that lady is an owner) She directed us to the wonderful Jacob (bartender) who greeted us immediately, and let us know he would be with us in just a moment. We looked over the menu and placed our order. They give you your drinks, and you get to choose where you sit. They have a family friendly dining area with a couple of booths, a little quaint lounge area (see photo of us) bar area seating as well as inside. So many great options for seating. We loved seeing a family enjoying the board game Clue. They have a chess table, additional board games, books, etc., Drinks: Jacob was so good about making me a fabulous Mint Mojito (mocktail) so good. John had a draft suggested by Jacob (we cannot remember the name, Pale or Blonde something we think LOL) regardless of the name, he loved it! Food: Ploughman’s “Lunch” soooooo good! John was obsessed with the bread, I loved the cheeses. We shared the Pub Burger and chips. AMAZING!! The cheese was fantastic. We both love crispy chips and these are the BEST!!! John and I loved this place so much we came back Monday night(ate the exact same thing). We then met the co-owner, the husband and he was just as delightful and friendly. It was Yahtzee night and everyone at the tables were SO kind and inviting. Also, Jacob your drink was great, but the bartender on Monday KILLED IT!! You’re both fabulous!! Honestly, we are so excited to visit again one day!! Tbh, I could go on and on. 10/10 stars!!! Thank you for the...

Got there when they opened on a Saturday at 4pm. My fiance wanted the Steak and chips. She was told the ovens weren't on yet so it would be at least a 30 minute wait. Same if she wanted the pretzel bites. She was disappointed so she ordered the steak and ale pie. After we sat down, the people who were right in front of us got their food fairly fast to include pretzel bites! My fiance wasn't happy. We ended waiting for our food about 30 minutes anyway so the woman at the bar should have just took her order as she wanted. Or here's a novel idea.... Have the ovens ready before opening for the day.

I ordered fish and chips. The fish tasted good but it was a small serving and only one piece. The chips (or fries) were small and burnt. I lived in England for four years and don't remember chips like these.

My daughter ordered mashed potatoes and gravy. It took over five minutes longer to get her food than the rest of the table.... even though two other people had mashed potatoes and gravy on their plate.

My son seemed to enjoy his chicken strips and chips (at least the chicken) and my Scotch Egg was good. Also the no tipping was nice. I'm just not a fan of ordering at the bar and fighting for table space. Don't think we'll be back. We also weren't met with the...