The Summer House, Boningale

Reviewers rating: ***

This is in fact my second review of The Summer House and I must admit that it didn’t make such an impression on me that we rushed back again straight away.

About 18 months has since passed - not because it was particularly awful, I remember it as an average pub meal.

However, remembering its convenient location to our brother-in-law Tim’s house in nearby Albrighton we arranged to meet for a late Sunday roast with our niece, Megg and her boyfriend.

I was surprised to see they now serve a carvery as the last time some of our diners had the Sunday roast which was ordered from the menu and served as usual.

The Summer House is a large pub with a large dining area, which we found to be extremely busy for the time of day. Obviously it was a popular carvery.

We ordered drinks at the bar before the men returned to the bar to order our meals. There is no ordering service at the tables but from the table numbering and style of pub, that is what you would expect. No complaints there.

We managed to snap up the last table, despite not booking. There was seven of us in our party and as there was a table for four and a separate table for two available, we decided to pull them together.

We were promptly told by a waitress that we couldn’t do that as we needed to leave room for wheelchair access - it caused a giggle as we weren’t sure where the wheelchair user would be going as there was an even longer running behind us!

I must admit we disobeyed the “ridiculous” order and moved the tables together anyway!

We were all rather hungry and as the smell of the carvery tantalised us, we opted to skip the starters and go straight for the succulent roast meats and steaming vegetables before us.

We managed to go up to the carvery before the large party which was convenient (hunger always makes me impatient!)

I opted for the beef and turkey (having the pork too I thought was being greedy) - both were served in generous portions and also generous slices.

Moving swiftly on to the vegetables - they were fresh and hot and had been recently replenished.

No there wasn’t any hard peas or dried up carrots.

As with any carvery, unfortunately my eyes seemed to be bigger than my stomach and I piled my plate far too high.

But with a few crispy roast potatoes on board and some delicious cauliflower cheese, I had a good attempt at clearing it. Although after already perusing the dessert menu, I didn’t want to spoil that as an option.

I must admit all of the adults dining seemed to fail to clear the plates, while the younger ones (with hollow legs) demolished their helpings.

For a carvery (which I must admit I am not a big fan of) it was of a good standard - piping hot and tasty but I admit I do prefer a roast lunch served to your table. It’s more sociable and you can put vegetables on your plate “little and often”.

At £7.25 it seemed good value for money but I have had three course meals at other similar standard eateries (if not better) which have offered three courses for under £10.

And on to desserts, we all went for the Movenpick ice-cream based desserts, with a range of chocomintella and caramel cream specials. Delicious ice-cream with lashings of full fat cream and syrup sauce.

But I must admit it would be difficult to go wrong with an ice-cream sundae.

I think many of us would have opted for the other sweets on the menu if any of them started with “homemade”. They can often be offered at cheaper prices and are always more appealing than something microwaved in a plastic container.

The Summer House is obviously a popular venue and we didn’t have any real gripes. As I’m not a huge fan of carveries we may return as some point to see if the main meals are of the same standard.

The staff were just “fine” but not over enthusiast about their jobs (only about where the tables were supposed to be).

I’m sure the Summer House will continue attracting regulars and passing trade on the Shropshire/Wolverhampton border as there’s no real reason why people shouldn’t. A hot, tasty, Sunday roast which was enjoyed by all.

By Kirsty Smallman

MINI GUIDE

Sample starters: Breaded mushrooms (£4.15); Summerhouse combo to share includes breaded mushrooms, chicken wings, onion rings, potato wedges (£6.65); Soup of the day (£2.99)

Sample mains: Prime 8oz sirloin steak (£9.95); 12oz horseshoe gammon (£8.95); Cream cheese and broccoli bake (£6.99)

Sample desserts: Rhubarb crumble (£3.45); Lemon meringue pie (£3.45); Knickerbocker Glory (£3.45)

Atmosphere: Warm and welcoming.

Service: Ordered at bar and we had carvery so very little service involved - foreign chef who spoke little English

Disabled facilities: Separate disabled toilets, adequate access and all on one level

Contact: The Summer House at Boningale, Tel: 01902 372445