ReviewA good sized pub on the main A369 and just a couple of minutes drive from J19 of the M5. The sign outside proudly proclaims “chef prepared food” whatever that means, and food certainly seems to be the major focus of the pub with every single table both in the restaurant and bar area laid up for food. This seems a little unnecessary, especially as there were only two or three other tables occupied on a recent Tuesday evening.
It looks as though it may have been recently refurbished, with carpet throughout, cream plastered walls with some wood detailing and various generic “pubby” pictures on the wall such as drawings of wine bottles as well as pictures of flowers and a few plates. There was a brick fireplace with a wood burning stove and some readers will be pleased to know there were even some twigs in vases.
There’s a pleasant garden area out at the back which overlooks the adjacent sports pitch. I’ve spent a pleasant afternoon here in the past supping a pint and watching a cricket match. Staff all seemed friendly.
The menu was extensive and consisted of several sections such as Old Favourites (ham, egg & chips, chilli con carne, all day brunch, etc.), Omelettes, Salads, Baguettes, Steaks, Pasta and so on. In addition to this there was a large specials board, and a separate specials board devoted to fish dishes. So far, so good you might think. Unfortunately the food that was delivered didn’t live up to expectations. We both chose from the specials board which made it all the more disappointing as they certainly weren’t special. My Chicken Madras was bland with no particular flavour, and not even hot. Mrs. B’s Chicken Enchiladas were similarly tasteless and disappointing. On the plus side, the portions were very generous, over generous in fact, but it’s definitely a case of quantity not quality.
Beers on tap were Gem and Doom Bar. Ciders were Addlestones, Blackthorn and Thatcher’s Gold.
