Trotting Mare Inn, Overton

Star rating: *** In the midst of the miserable weather January had seen, my mum and I decided to cheer ourselves up with a good meal and a chat at the Trotting Mare Inn, Overton, just outside Ellesmere, writes Abigail Bates.

We walked through the door to the mouth-watering smell of the carvery food and a warm welcome from staff, who served us drinks and showed us to our table.

The atmosphere was cosy, but as we mulled over the menu, we realised we were speaking in hushed voices, not because our choices were secret, but because with only one other family and no music in the restaurant, the room was pretty quiet.

In fact, it was difficult not to hear the conversation of the other group of diners, although to the pub’s credit we did hear them singing the praises of their food, saying their sirloin steak was superb and the lamb delicious.

I opted for the beef lasagne, and my mum, who normally sticks to the same two or three meals every time she goes out, decided to have a change and go for the carvery meal.

My meal was served about 10 to 15 minutes after ordering, and there was no problem with me swapping chips for new potatoes. My mum’s carvery meal was self-service, and she found it faultless.

There were choices of beef, pork, beef hotpot or turkey, from which my mum chose the latter, which she said was perfectly succulent, along with roast and boiled potatoes, a selection of vegetables and the all-important Yorkshire pudding.

My lasagne was delicious, although it was slightly harder around the edges. That didn’t stop me from polishing it off, as well as the potatoes and the generous helping of three slices of garlic bread.

Being a stickler for the ‘always eat your greens’ rule however, I would have liked to have a side salad, or some sort of vegetables with my meal.

Next came the best bit of any meal; the puddings! But as we perused the dessert menu, we were surprised to see Christmas pudding on the menu in mid January; perhaps this is a little late?

I went for my all-time favourite, the chocolate fudge cake, and I wasn’t disappointed; moist sponge, that was chocolatey enough even for a chocoholic like myself, and plenty of rich chocolate sauce.

My mum’s lemon cheesecake was tasty, and big enough for two, but not as light as it could have been.

However, the luxury vanilla ice cream they were both served with was among the best I have tasted.

Relaxed and satisfied, we pondered having coffee, a luxury we rarely indulge in. However, 20 minutes later, after we’d been offered neither extra drinks nor the bill, it dawned on us we were meant to pay for the meal at the bar.

A bit of a shame because I had become parched during this time.

Still, overall we had a good dining experience and a warm goodbye from the staff.

I wouldn’t rule out the Trotting Mare, but I felt prices were on a par with some of the more special places to eat.

Contact: The Trotting Mare pub, Overton

01978 710743

www.thetrottingmare.co.uk

MENU SAMPLE

Starters

Chicken, liver, brandy and herb pate with homemade fruit chutney and toast, £4.95

Creamy garlic and stilton mushrooms in a puff pastry case £5.95

Main courses

Poached chicken wrapped in bacon served with a chasseur sauce with peppered mash £9.95

8oz Fillet or 10oz Sirloin with grilled tomato, onion rings, mash and garlic butter. Fillet £15.95, Sirloin £13.95

Desserts

Treacle Sponge

Coffee and Toffee Roulade

ATMOSPHERE

Too quiet, needs music, but pleasant and cosy

SERVICE

Friendly and quick

DISABLED FACILITIES

Toilets easily accesible but there is a small step to the restaurant.

SMOKING POLICY

Smoking is only allowed in the bar.