Star rating:**** A much-needed weekend away for Ellesmere’s very own ‘caravan club’ took us and friends to the south Shropshire border, writes Sue Austin.
It was a chance to be local tourists, to sample the delights of a part of the county I have never explored. And, along with the views from the top of Clee Hill and exploring Ludlow, one of the highlights was a visit to the Temeside Inn just outside Tenbury Wells.
The pub is handily placed off the busy A49. And, if you approach from the route we took, it really is a different world.
After an afternoon walk up Clee Hill to build up an appetite and a drink back at our caravan site, we set off along the banks of the River Teme just as the sun was setting and the mist was starting to settle on the grass.
The path took us through an apple orchard and then across the old bridge to the inn itself. Its beautiful floral planters and outside patio areas were very welcoming but even with the patio heaters there was a nip in the air so we moved inside.
The inn was closed for six months after last summer’s horrendous floods. But every cloud has a silver lining and the damage was such that it had to be completely refurbished, which gave the owners a chance to improve the disabled facilities and give a complete new feel to the buidling.
The Temeside has a good sized restaurant. But we plumped for the bar where we then had the choice of both the bar and restaurant menus, the former including sandwiches and baked potatoes as well as traditional bar meals. We were soon studying the menus and enjoying a drink.
Enjoyment was definitely the word, for I had a bottle of Tenbury Wells’ very own, Robinsons vintage cider. Dry and incredibly refreshing, it was certainly a cider for savouring.
We decided to skip starters although the choices, from mushrooms to mussels, were inviting. It was the cider that helped me choose my meal. The steaks sounded good but with cider, well I had to go for the chicken and bacon in a Stilton sauce. (£9.75) .
And what an excellent choice. Descriptions from those who chose the dish included delicious, amazing, wonderful and I don’t want the meal to end! A large chicken breast with thick bacon smothered in loads of tasty sauce with just the right amount of Stilton in it.
Some chose chips while I went for new potatoes and veg - a dish of three of four different vegetables.
Other choices range from steaks to fish cakes and even garlic mushrooms as a main course, although these were declared disappointing. However the home-made curry was a hit even with the children in our party. Mel said his steak was as expected in a pub, served with onion rings, mushrooms and extremely hot chips.
Puddings were £3.75 each and everyone agree their choice was tasty.
With friend Tracy and I unable to choose we eventually shared - half a lemon ice-cream torte and half a raspberry roulade.
Atmosphere can be as important as food on a meal out and, as strangers to the area, we were made very welcome.
Our friendly waitress George (yes, her name was George) patiently took our orders in families and the youngsters were able to enjoy a game of pool until the meals arrived.
And the character behind the bar had us in tucks of laughter with his tales of his times in pantomime.
All too soon it was time to set off back to the caravans. And I realised my only mistake of the evening was one too many of the Robinsons cider, which I had not realised was six per cent proof.
It was a very wobbly and fun journey back along the pitch black river path. And with just one torch between us all it was a miracle that we arrived back safely after a very pleasant evening.
In fact so pleasant we repeated it the next evening - armed with more torches.
ADDRESS
The Temeside Inn, Little Hereford, Tenbury Wells
Tel: 01584 711070
MENU SAMPLE
Starters
Torpedo prawns with a sweet chili dip (£5.45); Garlic mushrooms (£4.75)
Main courses
Chicken and mushroom in a white wine sauce, (£8.75); Sea bass risotto (£11.25)
Desserts
Chocolate fudge cake (£3.75); Meringue with hot cherries soaked in brandy (£3.75)
ATMOSPHERE
Homely and friendly.
SERVICE
Friendly and patient even with a large noisy group
DISABLED FACILITIES
There are disabled toilets and access available.
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