Star rating: * * * *

After a family wedding a few relatives were in need of a pub meal – a few suggestions were thrown into the pot as to where to go and dad’s suggestion of The Royal Hill in Edgerley was the winner. And a winner it turned out to be.

The picturesque pub alongside the river was packed with families enjoying the last of the warm weather and as we entered to see if they could accommodate nine people, we found nearly every table taken or reserved.

But deciding it was warm enough to eat outside we snapped up two tables on the patio area.

The beamed pub with low doorways was obviously a popular choice and they had already had a busy Sunday lunchtime.

Some of the items on the blackboard were already crossed off but we didn’t mind that as it is always better to know if your choices are available before your taste buds prepare themselves rather than be told what is off the menu once you’ve decided and are ready to order.

The small bar was busy but getting served wasn’t a problem and then to the small hatch to order our food we went.

It must be one of the few pubs which doesn’t serve a traditional Sunday roast but none of us wanted one anyway and we were in fact pleased because so many other pubs sometimes only serve a roast lunch, leaving choices limited.

The story behind the pub is as impressive as our food was. John Bewley has run the pub for eight years and was joined by his partner, Barca Hrobska four years ago. He moved from Cornwall to take over the pub after his mother’s cousin, Ruby, who previously ran the pub, passed away.

Mr Bewley is proud to say the pub has in fact been in a long line of his relations for more than 100 years.

When he took it over it didn’t serve food but he has since created a fantastic reputation for good quality home-made, value-for-money cuisine.

I went for the home-made smoked haddock and potato cakes served with a sweet and sour salsa and side salad. Of course I ordered a side order of chips too which were soon passed around the table.

My aunty also joined me with the fish cakes, while many of the party went for the home-made lasagne and dad ordered an old pub favourite – the gammon.

When ordering we were told there would be a wait as a party of 17 had just ordered in front of us – bad timing for us we thought but we weren’t in any rush and again it was nice to be told before, rather than having to sit and wait and wonder.

But to our delight the food arrived in an extremely reasonable time and the large order obviously hadn’t troubled the kitchen at all.

All of the meals were served piping hot and in generous portions. Costing just £5.50 for a home-made main course served with nicely presented side salads was brilliant.

The fish cakes (two served) with a plate full of salad were huge – in fact one even went home with one of the party with half a portion of my nan’s lasagne which was too much for her.

The young man – probably only in his early teens – who served our meals certainly needs a mention. He was polite and professional and extremely friendly. Nothing was too much trouble for him – even arranging the doggy bags!

Since our visit I have spoken to two friends who both described it as a “wonderful little pub by the river”. I immediately said it must be the Royal Hill and their reply was “that’s the one”.

My only gripe is my one friends said how fabulous the desserts were – home-made and only £3 – and we were too full from the main course to get that far. My husband John with the sweet tooth will certainly be back for the home-made desserts described as “wonderful”.

Along with the reasonably priced food is the reasonably priced beer. A pint of Carling at £2.30 is possibly unheard of these days.

Mr Bewley says “value for money” has always been his philosophy and says it has “paid dividends” and I quite agree. A job well done by all - the visit was a pleasure.

And anyone wanting to make a weekend of it can always take their caravan and pitch up at the caravan park at the side of the pub with wonderful views over the river.

By Kirsty Smallman

MENU SAMPLE:

Starters: Soup of the day served with bread

Main courses: Czech style beef goulash topped with onion (£5.50); chicken and bacon pie served with creamy mustard mash (£5.50); 9ox pangacius fillet (fish similar to cod) served in our own crispy batter (£6.50); trio of sausage in onion gravy served on a bed of creamy mash (£5.50).

Desserts: Sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and cream; lemon parfait served with orange zest syrup; apple pie served with cream, custard or ice-cream (all £3)

ATMOSPHERE: Quaint, cosy and welcoming.

SERVICE: Superb – a very young waiter who was very professional and polite.

DISABLED FACILITIES: Everything on one floor but no separate disabled toilet.

SMOKING POLICY: Smoking allowed outside – nice patio area.

CONTACT: The Royal Hill, Edgerley, Kinnerly, near Oswestry. Telephone 01743 741242