Reviewer’s rating: *** For the second time in recent weeks we found ourselves visiting several eateries during a Sunday afternoon to be left disappointed – carveries had finished, while other pubs had closed until the evening, writes Kirsty Smallman.

After travelling back from a shopping trip with my parents, we decided we’d try the Severn Gorge pub in Telford town centre. A guaranteed all-day carvery at just £5.99, said the board.

It had been recommended by some friends who had visited during the week when it costs just £3.99 and said it was a great meal for such a low price.

On our arrival the snow had started to fall quite heavy and the warmth of the bar, along with the smell of the carvery, was welcomed by all four of us.

The member of staff behind the bar was pleasant and cheerful and after eyeing up the carvery I had made my mind up.

My dad who said he just fancied ham, egg and chips was also persuaded by the carvery, as was my mum and husband.

John and I both went for the breaded mushrooms and were pleased to count ten on each of our plates, with a generous side salad and dip.

While mum and dad both ordered the soup which was finished with no complaints. The menu boasted a great selection of starters, all at reasonable prices.

We all finished our starters and waited and waited! With our tickets in our hands ready, we were eager to get up to the carvery and as we could wait no longer for our starter dishes to be cleared we decided to move them on to a neighbouring table (I might just add there was nobody sitting there!).

We went up to the carvery and waited while others in front were served – we were also hanging back in the hope fresh vegetables would be put out before we got there as everything was nearing the end.

We were offered a choice of beef, turkey or gammon or of course all three. I had just beef, while other members of the party had a bit of turkey and beef. None of us opted for the gammon as we concluded over the meal that gammon just wasn’t made to be served with gravy – egg and chips, yes, but gravy, no!

There was a good selection of vegetables which were served fresh – including crispy roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese and the traditional selection. However, it may sound like I’m grumbling but we all commented on it. A fresh dish of carrots were brought out by one of the chefs with a “bad one” on the top – not the most appealing.

It would have taken her a second to take it off and put it where it should have been – in the bin.

Small points like this and a lack of common sense from staff can make a huge difference to a diner’s experience.

We all agreed the meat was extremely tender and tasty, although my dad would have still liked the cut off end of the joint which the chef said he couldn’t have as it was too fatty. The chef was obviously on mum’s side with the healthy eating!

As always my eyes were bigger than my belly when I was putting the vegetables on my plate and in my current condition, that was a task!

We were sitting at a window table, overlooking the snow-covered car park and cars negotiating the roundabout as the snow continued to fall.

As mum noted, looking out of the large arched window with such a beautiful scene before us, we looked like a scene on the front of a Christmas card.

We all decided we were too full for dessert, although John would have been easily tempted as he says “there’s always room for pudding” but with the snow continuing to fall, my parents were eager to get back to Oswestry.

Although admittedly all four of us could have stayed there for a good while longer, in the warmth and the comfort of the pub.

Instead we paid the great value bill – just over £40 for four two-course meals and a round of drinks – and braved the cold.

On discussion John and I decided that we had enjoyed other carveries in Telford for equally good value just as much, if not more, but for the money and convenience it was a very enjoyable experience and certainly one we would repeat. Few grumbles from any of the party.Contact

ADDRESS:

Severn Gorge, Telford town centre.
Tel: 01952 290404

MENU SAMPLE

Starters;

Sweet chilli tiger prawns (£2.95); Combo to share including selection of chicken wings, garlic bread, loaded potato skins, onion rings and breaded mushrooms (£5.95)

Main courses

Main carvery (£3.99/£5.99);
lasagne (£4.99); fish pie (£5.25); Desserts Chocolate fudge cake (£1.75); apple and toffee crumble (£2.75)

Sides
Cheesy garlic bread (£1.65); onion rings (95p)

ATMOSPHERE
Warm and welcoming.

SERVICE Bar service was excellent and the waitress who cleared our main course plates was pleasant but staff need to ensure starter plates are cleared.

DISABLED FACILITIES
There is disabled access, toilets and accessible tables for wheelchair users.

Do you know of somewhere that serves great food or beer and deserves a mention on our eating-out pages?

All our food reviews are carried out anonymously, as we believe that this gives us the best independent opinion. We never reveal who we are prior to the review, and we pay the bill ourselves. If you know of somewhere that our reviewers could visit, then e-mail swalters@shropshirestar.co.uk or write to Sharon Walters, Supplements Editor, Shropshire Star, Ketley, Telford TF1 5HU.