The Old Forge

We don't normally add a proviso but we suggest you read the Guest Book reviews of The Old Forge.

As I said in my initial review last month I would be back here soon as our party of seven meet monthly and this pub is very convenient for all. As it was a nice sunny day we sat outside which does make serving more difficult but in view of the Guest Book entry on the 11th May reporting that visitors had been kept waiting for ages I felt I wanted to see how they coped! Waiting to order food at the bar took 5 minutes, and I can imagine if they were very busy it would be a problem but we all enjoyed both our starters and main courses and there certainly was not any delay in receiving the food. They have a new Summer Menu since I reported last month and I still feel it justifies 7/10 SM.

This is a lovely old country pub, it has recently been refurbished. It's a nooks and crannies type pub/restaurant with a large car park and outside seating. Wheelchair access and disabled loo on ground floor level. Excellent loos on first floor, definitely above average!

Sorry no pictures but the food was well presented with good portion sizes. Our starters were 3 Smoked Scottish Salmon with Guacamole, cream cheese and salsa £6 each. I chose Garlic and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms on ciabatta, £4.50 and the last choice Salmon, Prawn and Dill Fishcake with roasted tomato salsa £6.50. We were all happy with our starters except that the fishcake had hardly any fish! It was homemade and a good size but too much potato. In fairness to the restaurant we were told at the start that their delivery of fresh fish had been delayed that day so some of the shell fish choices were not available. When we mentioned the lack of fish in the fishcake our very nice friendly waitress Jenny told us that the Chef was very sorry and had taken it off the menu for the day!

Our main courses were 2 Pie of the Day which was Steak and Mushroom, £8.75 good flavour and just enough steak and mushrooms with a light pastry topping. Two had Corned Beef Hash with poached egg and Bearnaise sauce - yummy, £8.00. Last choice, good old Sausage and Mash, good flavour Grimsby sausages, £7.50! All Main course are served with fresh vegetables - ours were chunky carrots, cabbage & leeks, served in a lovely big dish and not over-cooked!

I thought we were all too full for puds, however, we managed to share a Lemon Tart with soured cream and a Treacle Tart with clotted cream both £4.50. Finishing with filter coffee served with those lovely Italian Biscuits (can't remember their name!) Our Wine was a Spanish Rioja at £15.50 and a half litre of Sauvignon Blanc for £8.50. Their House Wines are served in 175ml glass, 500ml, 750ml and 1 ltr. Carafe on draught.

This Pub/Restaurant is part of the Mitchell and Butler group, several in our area, but because of the refurb they are calling it a Bistro style of eating, i.e. not a huge menu as its all freshly cooked. No specials board but a soup and pie of the day. Their menu will be changing in 2 weeks for a more summery choice and they certainly cater for vegetarians and gluten free dietary requirements.