Art Deco Pub, Bargain Carvery & A Walk

Hidden down a surburban side road is this art deco pub with a bargain carvery, similar to the Toby pubs- though with less choice, but the swans and Canadian geese flying across the water outside compensate for everything else. Children raced around screaming, colliding, fighting and chasing swans, a complete distraction from my lunch and companion. On most days this place has bargain offers. Drinks at between two and three pounds were good value. Salads with a drink were about five pounds. The carvery had three kinds of meat, roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding and stuffing whether you chose beef or chicken or ham or a combination of meats. I must admit it didn't taste of much. I didn't want spice - hate spicy food. But the cauliflower, although freshly replenished, seemed very overcooked and watery. Peas and beans likewise. However, I was soon full and glad about the prices so I did not have to feel guilty as I do at smarter places about breaking my host's budget. Being on a diet I went without dessert and walked around the lido which took about ten minutes in either direction. Total one hour, by the time I'd photographed everything which moved or stayed still, chatted to two ladies with cute dogs, looked at the miniature railway which you can ride and sat watching children playing, some hoisting sand on one of the many amazing climbing contraptions. Enough exercise and time spent to work up an appetite for something else to eat or drink. Ignoring the tea kiosk, we went back to the pub for floater coffee with a sprinkling of chocolate on top. Not a grand place for gourmets, but if you are on a budget or want a walk, a good choice.

A User - 06/08/2009 | report this review