dining tables set up in separate rooms to the bar. The white walls and "lived in" lounge chairs in the main bar continue the relaxing vibe.

Feeling quite at home we sipped our cider and Green King ale while waiting for our meals. Though the food was all prepared and cooked on the premises, we didn't have to wait too long before the starters were brought to our table.

Looking at the portion sizes we wondered if we had made a mistake ordering all three courses as a dinner plate piled high with lightly battered whitebait (so light, in fact, that you could barely see it) was placed in front of us. Tucking in, the batter style was applauded as the flavour of the fish easily came through - an unusual experience with whitebait. The mushrooms were field, not button, and lightly coated rather than completely encased in deep fried breadcrumbs. Served with a soft chunk of fresh bread and a healthy dose of tangy rocket, our taste buds were well on the way to being awakened.

Main courses were just as hearty. Though special options such as homemade lasagne or sausage and mash were tempting, we decided against these in favour of the fish and meat sections of the menu. This turned out to be a good decision as the slightly more diverse meals surpassed the pub staples in taste and presentation.

The fishcakes had an overly soft quality and the flavour of the salmon didn't come across as strong as it could have. The beef stroganoff however (also available as mushroom stroganoff for vegetarians) was meaty, full of flavour and the rice and vegetable accompaniment made for a highly satisfying dish.

The guinea fowl (which to this untrained pallate tasted very much like chicken) was extremely tender and devoid of any fatty texture. As everything is served with a friendly comment or two, by the end of the meal we'd be surprised if you weren't treating the staff as lifelong friends.

The large portions continued into dessert. When half a brick of treacle sponge cake dripping with custard was placed on the table, we were pleased to have only ordered one between us. The large sweet cake which kept its heat almost too effectively (as is usual with this type of dessert) soon dissolved into a liquefied delicious mess tasting exactly as you would desire.

The decent sized and safe play area (it's surrounded on three sides by fields and the car park) would be a real plus point for young families and a discounted over 55's menu available Monday to Friday caters for the other end of the spectrum. We were advised that Sunday lunches are a popular choice and as if to prove the point a passerby stopped in to reserve a table while we were there. Another punter, obviously a regular as a) he knew all the names of his fellow patrons and b) spotted us as newcomers, couldn't recommend them highly enough.

With all this, and a standard menu which changes every month for seasonal and locally sourced options, it's easy to see why this pub in particular looks to be a firm favourite for the area's residents.