Cuckoo Oak, Telford

New-in-the-80s (but now looking rather tired) Hungry Horse pub with the expected range of seating / dining areas in an overall 'L' shape (plus a front patio for the better weather). No character, of course, but busy-enough on a Saturday night so obviously serves its family-orientated dining function well enough. Only points of note were a slightly surprising pool table and a pair of DJs setting up (which certainly altered the feel of the place once they got going). Only Greene King IPA (£2.85) available from the brace of handpumps, with a reversed Ruddles County clip also noted (so no real loss there...).

A modern and rather un-inspiring low-level detached modern Hungry Horse pub/eatery. Mainly in undressed brick with large plain windows, it has a corner tower and a hipped roof. There is both a patio area and a beer garden. The interior is a large open plan room which is in a mix of colours, i guess which is usual for this kind of place, walls and ceiling of; terracotta, French mustard, white, burnt orange, brown, wallpaper, wood panel etc, with a loud carpet. There is a pool table in a sort of bar area, but it is mostly laid out for food, with open and booth seating - some with little TVs in. In fact, there are several TVs that were showing all kings of things, which I am sure were nearly as entertaining as the kid's grabbing machine. Still, we popped into eat and the food that we had was OK, although sadly, my first choice was sold out - still, can't have everything. The background music was general and at a decent level. The service was very good and the clientele generally families, which is why we popped in. Beer; usual keg stuff with Greene King IPA and Spekky Hen on handpull, well, one had a glass over and the other a bar-towel, so i had a Guinness which was freezing (no, it wans't extra-cold as far as i know). Other than with the service, i sort of lost heart with this place. I guess a bad day, but i personally wouldn't rush to go back.