The Phoenix Hotel

We thought we'd try the place and were pleased with the meal. The two steaks were lovely and cooked well, with great sides, although the peas were overdone. The atmosphere was great and the drinks were reasonably priced. Much better food than Wetherspoons, worth paying a few extra quid.

The steak and chips from the lunch menu were lovely, much better than the Spoons a few doors down. Everything was freshly cooked and piping hot, and the table service was excellent. There were loads of sauces to choose from, and ice-cold water was already on the table. Thanks very much, I'll visit again. Recommended 100%.

The meal and drink came to under 16 quid each, which is really competitive, and the food was brilliant. My wrap was light, while my friend got a generous gammon steak with plenty of sides. It all arrived in about 10 minutes and looked great. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the bar had a good range. I hate the taste of alcohol, but they even had a Rattler flavour I hadn’t tried before. One downside: my plate was so hot I couldn’t hold my hand a few millimetres above it, which could be risky for someone who doesn’t notice. Part of the pub had carpets so sticky you could cut a square off and use it to hold up a ceiling lamp for years. Still, it’s a great pub and I’d come again.

The fish was cold to touch, and the thickest of the chunky chips were still hard inside. It seemed the food came out too quickly to cook properly. We’d been drawn in by the “Dogs Welcome” sign and needed somewhere with food, Guinness and room for the dog. The bar staff were quick and attentive with us as new customers, and Lilley greeted our dog warmly. The pint was nice too, so things had started well. Maybe the kitchen was having an off day, but better quality control or a meat temperature probe could help.