The Priorslee, Priorslee, Telford

Star rating: *

Some pubs just never live up to the expectations that are placed upon them. Take the Priorslee, for example a great location, with superb walks around the adjoining lake.

My previous reviews of the Priorslee had been lukewarm at best, with just three stars awarded on each occasion.

So, when we received a letter (published in last Saturday’s Shropshire Weekend) informing us that the pub had turned a corner for the better, I decided to take another look.

The Priorslee has always been a favourite haunt of mine, and I was keen to report back that the improvements have been a roaring success

Unfortunately, that simply is not the case. Indeed, we didn’t even get to finish our meal - but more of that later.

On first impressions, some efforts have been made, with a large-screen television and subtle changes to the layout.

But that was as far as it went for my wife Claire and I.

Within moments of finding a spare seat, we discovered the remnants of at least one meal hidden behind our menu, along with a general lack of cleanliness.

Never mind, we thought, at least the food would make up for that.

Claire’s favoured option of roast beef dinner was not available - no surprise, bearing in mind we were eating on a Sunday evening.

Claire eventually chose the 8oz steak, while I decided to go for the ribs and wings combination.

Claire’s steak was ambitious at best in its efforts to weigh eight ounces, especially when the inch-thick strip of gristle was taken into account.

It was cooked a little too well for her liking, but I suppose that could be excused as the restaurant filled up and staff became ever busier.

That was pretty much the verdict for my main course as well. The ribs were nice enough, while the chicken wings had clearly been dried out during the heating process.

I should, perhaps, re-emphasise that it was very busy, a fact borne out by our 40 minute wait for the main courses to arrive.

But what happened next was simply unforgivable.

It is a long-held tradition in catering that kitchens only ever close in extreme circumstances - a fire alarm or breakdown of machinery, for example.

Not when the staff are just unable to cope.

That was the reason given when I attempted to order desserts.

The bar was busy, with dirty glasses littered all across and staff were clearly stressed.

I cannot be sure of the reasons behind this decision, but it certainly left a sour taste in the mouth of many customers.

At least two received full refunds while we were sat our tables.

There were apologies aplenty, of course, but with almost 90 minutes left until the scheduled end of food service, there was no excuse.

The bill, I suppose, was a little lighter than we expected, but we went home hungry and that is not how trips to the pub are supposed to end.

To say we were disappointed is an understatement and I can only hope that we caught the staff on a very, very bad night indeed.

The Priorslee was, once upon a time, a place where I shared many a night of fun with a dear, departed friend.

But now, it seems there is nothing that would persuade me to return.

And that is the saddest thing of all.

By James Shaw

PUB GUIDE

Sample starters: Loaded potato wedges (£3.45); Pacific salmon fishcakes (£3.95)

Sample mains: Italian chicken (£8.25); British steak and ale pie (£7.95); Most options were included on two-for-one offer.

Sample desserts: Mega sundae for two (£5.25); Chocolate fudge cake (£2.95)

Atmosphere: Probably the best feature - very lively with lots of chatter

Service: Chaotic at best, although staff were clearly very busy.

Disabled facilities: There are disabled toilet facilities and access available.

Contact: The Priorslee, Priorslee, Telford (01952) 299108