Miller & Carter Washford Mill, Park Farm, Studley

Official site of Miller & Carter Washford Mill - www.millerandcarter.co.uk

Official site of Miller & Carter Washford Mill - www.millerandcarter.co.uk

This is one of the parcel of pubs acquired by M&B when they bailed out the now defunct Orchid pubco a couple of years back. Its Orchid "Great British Carvery" branding remains but in truth it's indistinguishable from M&Bs mid-market Crown Carvery chain. Its an ancient building going back nearly 1000 years but you'd be pushed to tell, it's been so knocked about. I suspect most of the vandalism has taken place in recent times thanks to modern accountant driven pub chains. Once you've navigated the huge car park most of the building is taken up by a carvery section to the right and a more restauranty bit to the left, with the bar further on still. There are pleasant nooks and crannies to nose around but you wouldn't want to linger if the smell of stale beef fat puts you off. You can admire the mill wheel. The best feature is the garden, set between the millrace and the river, and its a nice spot on a sunny afternoon when screaming kids are few. You'll be pushed to find something to drink though. All we got was sour Doombar, though the Rev clip was turned back round later, too late to sample though. They could make so much of this pub, but for now its best left to Brummies taking their in-laws out for lunch.

Large barn of a place with various seating areas, included one really odd carpeted area that is a bit unasmospheric due to its size. Its a foody sort of place with a carvery. However, this is done in a style that the normal pub chain just can't seem to manage, its comfortable and welcoming and not a carvery by numbers. 2 real ales, including one from Wetheroak.