Fed up with the household chores I suggested we make the most of a beautiful winter weekend day and find somewhere where we could both go for a walk and have lunch out.

We opted for the spectacular aquaduct at Chirk, knowing there were a number of pubs in the area.

Despite looking beautiful the day was one of the coldest of the winter. Despite the stunning scenery we were frozen and the kids were complaining.

So we called into the nearest pub we could find, the aptly named Bridge, at the foot of the aquaduct.

It was like stepping back in time 20 years. The Bridge has two bars, one complete with a pool table the other with a small number of tables for those who are eating.

Too many pubs today seem to cater for those who demand smart furnishing, matching carpets and wallpaper, exotic menus and pristine toilets.

Don’t get me wrong, the loos at the Bridge were clean enough, they were just basic with the lads having to go outside for the entrance to their toilets.

But the old-fashioned feel and very warm welcome from hosts, Martin and Debbie, made me feel far more relaxed than I often feel in posher surroundings. It didn’t matter that we weren’t dressed up or that my hair was windswept and I had no make up on!

There were several locals at the bar, putting the world to rights and others who had obviously been out for a walk and had called in for a bar snack — the hot baguettes looking particuarly inviting. We opted for more substantial pub grub.

The menu wasn’t enormous, but there were certainly plenty of traditional dishes to choose from.

There were even some not quite so conventional, like beef in black bean sauce.

Perhaps it was the cold weather, or the old-fashioned and very British surroundings, but I suddenly found myself hankering for roast beef.

Melvyn decided to go for the steak while the kids chose scampi and a beefburger.

When the couple first took over the Bridge, they employed a chef. But Debbie said they found that while he was a good chef, they were having to do all the other work in the kitchen and in a small pub like this it simply didn’t work.

So Martin learned to cook. And the results were, I must say, impressive.

I had lovely thick slices of Welsh beef, smothered in gravy with truly delicious roast potatoes and a Yorkshire pudding. My only suggestion would be to serve the gravy separately. I love gravy but for the others in the family there would have been far too much and it would have spoiled the meal for them.

As for the side serving of new potatoes, carrots, swede and cabbage — it would have served the whole table. Full marks for not overcooking the vegetables.

Mel’s steak was cooked just how he likes it with mushrooms, onions and a fried tomato cooked in the tasty steak juices.

The highlight for Mel and the two children were the home cooked chips.

You see because I don’t actually like them I don’t cook chips — only the oven sort. So it was a real treat for my family to have chips made in a fryer.

The dessert menu was a little sparse but I was assured that as the better weather brought more people out to The Bridge, so the menu would increase.

Sophie, Joe and Mel all went for the chocolate fudge cake and were well pleased with the choice, dark and moist served with either cream or ice-cream.

My fresh pineapple and ice-cream was a pleasant change, although perhaps not the best choice for such a cold day.

If you are looking for posh nosh in posh surroundings don’t go to The Bridge. But if you want a good honest meal in welcoming surroundings and a stunning walk before or after then give it a try.

By Sue Austin

ADDRESS:
The Bridge Inn, Chirk Bank
Tel: 01691 773213

MENU SAMPLE:
Starters:
Homemade garlic bread (£1.95); pate, side salad and toast (£2.50).

Main courses:
Beef in ale pie; Welsh beef marinaded in Guinness (both £7.95); vegetarian sausage and mash (£5.95).

Desserts:
Apple pie and cream or custard; trio of luxury ice cream (both £2.95).

ATMOSPHERE:
Old fashioned pub with laid-back, friendly and warm welcome.

SERVICE:
Attentive.

DISABLED FACILITIES:
Step into pub would make access difficult. No disabled facilities.

SMOKING POLICY:
No smoking at restaurant tables.