The Poacher Inn

We had a great first meal at the Poacher, and we'll be back. I chose the beef pie with all the trimmings, while my wife went for the Chicken Schnitzel. We shared Chocolate Browne with ice cream, then finished with coffee and hot chocolate. Lydia looked after us attentively, and parking was easy. I'd recommend a visit.

The venison casserole was terrific, and the sticky toffee pudding we shared was the best I've had in a long time. The food was good, the atmosphere was nice, and Tallulah behind the bar was helpful, courteous and always smiling. The place is clean and still has plenty of character.

The pub itself has lovely furnishings and real potential. The chap serving drinks was very pleasant, but lunch went downhill from there. We saw a £13 lunch deal with a beer or wine and food I fancied, then were told it was a new menu and the deal wasn't available. My father said they should cross it off the menu, but we were told we could still order the food, just not at that price because there was no till button for it. I ordered the ham hock with grilled pineapple, egg and chips for £17. The ham on the bone was very dry, and there was no pineapple. I love pineapple, and was told the kitchen had none, so the chef had given me peas instead. I don't like peas, and wouldn't have chosen that meal if I'd known. My father paid £18 for venison casserole with mash, green veg and supposedly roasted carrots. The casserole came in a ramekin with only five small pieces of meat, and there was nothing special about it. Very expensive for what we got. Such a shame.

We stopped in for a quick lunch. Danny gave us great service, bringing a bowl of water for our dog and cheerfully mopping up when it got spilled. The food was tasty and good value, and we'd happily drop in again soon.