The Highwayman, Oswestry

I have heard a lot about The Highwayman since it was revamped a few months ago

, through a friend who seems to have become a regular there.

And as my parents have been without a kitchen for a month or two, they seem to have been trying out some eateries in town, including The Highwayman on more than one occasion.

During a previous visit I was pleased to see the large number of healthy options available and had enjoyed a chicken skewer with rice. But a menu change meant it had vanished by the time we visited again.

But the new menu certainly wasn't lacking in choice. In fact I was torn and only made my final decision when I reached the till - and that was with the help of the barman!

My visit was on a Sunday with my husband John, son Eddie, my parents and my nan. We were eating later than usual but chose The Highwayman as we knew the carvery was served all day.

We ordered drinks and managed to get a table big enough for us all. After studying the menu we made our choice.

The meals were ordered and paid for, and with the tickets in their hands some of the party began to approach the carvery. But before I even had the chance to get off my seat - they were back, tickets in hand and no plates. The carvery had finished as the chef had run out of meat. Not a good start.

The carvery is advertised as served all day, but popular demand meant that the food had run out just after 3pm. Signs soon went up afterwards informing customers before they entered the pub.

With the huge menu on offer aside from the carvery, we were not too disappointed, but the fact we were able to order and pay before finding out the carvery would not be available was a little inconvenient. Perhaps the staff and chef should monitor how many more they can cater for and take orders accordingly to save disappointment.

Anyway, moan over, and on to the food. As we had only ordered a child's portion of carvery (£2.99) for nan, there was just enough left for her to enjoy a Sunday roast and enjoy she did. Being able to order a child's portion means she wasn't overloaded and could still enjoy her lunch. Large and extra-large options are available, depending on appetite.

Meanwhile, mum went for the beef lasagne with garlic bread, along with a side order of chips; John had the surf and turf and dad had the mega mixed grill. I was still undecided until I went to the till. The very helpful barman asked what I was torn between and also offered some meals which were still available from the old menu.

I don't usually name staff but I do believe Barry (he had a name badge on) deserves a mention. He was an extremely polite, young professional. A credit to the pub, especially when dealing with the carvery situation.

I eventually opted for one of the new dishes - red Leicester chicken. The chicken breast was tender and served piping hot, topped with a tasty cheese and spinach sauce.

As dad's mixed grill (£9.95) arrived, John commented on how good it looked and it soon vanished. Dad commented how much he enjoyed it and how it wasn't too greasy which many such meals can be.

John' s surf and turf was also a mega meal (£10.20), very generous in size. The steak was cooked as asked and joined by what looked like a full portion of hot crisp scampi.

Mum's lasagne (£5.15) was a good size and presented well. All of the plates were soon cleared, but the pudding menu was out - even for the "mega meal" diners!

On each of our visits to The Highwayman there has been plenty of staff to look after all of the customers in what is a large pub. This makes a difference as plates are cleared efficiently and meals are brought out swiftly so everything is served piping hot.

The dessert order included red cherry waffles (£2.95), chocolate chip brownies (£2.95), which I must admit looked simply gorgeous, and apple pie with custard (£2.85).

The Highwayman is exactly what it sets out to be - a cheap and very cheerful pub, where you will find all the facilities very clean and staff polite and helpful.

Judging by the number of tables reserved, the number of people already dining on our arrival and the diners flooding through the door as we left, this is obviously a very popular venue.

If the standards of food and service continue I am sure it will be a success for a long time to come. I should think by now the chef has realised the popularity of the carvery and more meat is being put in the oven each week.

It is certainly somewhere where we will return for either the carvery or the main menu.

ADDRESS

The Highwayman, Shrewsbury Road, Oswestry SY11 2RT

Tel: 01691 652632

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