Everything pointed to a lovely evening as we enjoyed a drink beside the River Dee and studied the Boat Inn menu, writes Dave Morris.

It was sunny and fish were jumping in the river as it meandered past. Everything seemed just perfect and right with the world at that point, and as the evening unfolded were not disappointed.

Perhaps we are becoming a little too fussy but we can count on one hand the times we have dined out over the past year and been truly delighted with our meal. The Boat Inn is on that one hand.

Situated in an idyllic spot, at Erbistock near Overton-on-Dee, The Boat has been well known to Shropshire folk for many years, and has recently had new owners. It dates back to the17th century and takes its name from the hand-operated chain ferry which once crossed the river at this point, and remnants of the pulling mechanism still exist.But enough of the history lesson!

We were warmly greeted and throughout our visit found the staff to be friendly and obliging. It certainly helps to put you in a good mood. So different to a recent family night out in a Shropshire pub/restaurant where I thought mine host was chewing a wasp!

We were hungry and as we looked at the Boat’s menu,we hoped our meals were generous as well as superbly cooked. And they were both.

At this point I have to say that the beer I chose was excellent. For fellow real ale anoraks it was a bitter from Manchester family-owned brewer, Hydes (established 1863). Mmmm . . .

For starters Kath chose smoked mackerel crostini with a watercress and shallot salad and herb oil (£5.50). After just one taste she said it was a delight. It certainly looked to be. As for me, I went for Welsh brie and smoked bacon bruschetta with mixed leaves (£4.95). It was excellent and, what’s more, because Kath doesn’t eat meat, I didn’t have to share any of it! So far, so very good. I had been tempted by the thought of an oriental crispy duck salad with noodles (£5.50) but I couldn’t have been more pleased with my choice.

Turning to our main courses, Kath had selected pan-fried fillet of Welsh sea bass with seafood, white wine cream sauce, linguine and asparagus (£14.95). Again she said she was delighted. The fish had such a lovely texture and the flavours were absolutely delicious. She gave it top marks and the girl is something of an expert when it comes to sea bass. It is very much one of her big favourites.

Inside The Boat Inn, Erbistock

Now back to my choice – slow roasted belly pork, celeriac mash with black pudding and roasted apple. This was a wonderful dish and I tried to eat as slowly as I could to make it last longer. It just couldn’t have been better.

But wait, that’s not quite true. There is a something of a Friday night ritual which I thoroughly enjoy. I visit my mother and she still insists on cooking a meal for me, serving old boyhood favourites such as liver and onions. And she occasionally serves belly pork which is always just superb. The Boat runs it a close second which in my book a great accolade!

With our mains we shared a single portion of hand cut fat chips (delicious) and seasonal mixed veg (a little disappointing). Both were priced at £2.95. I have to say there was nothing wrong at all with the veg – it’s just that yet again when dining out I thought the carrots, broccoli etc were a bit boring. Anyway the only thing that remained on my plate was the pattern.

Kath said she was full and couldn’t face a dessert but I decided to try the selection of Erbistock ice creams (£3.95). Again I felt this was an excellent choice. And so did Kath. Despite being so full (her words,not mine) she kept sampling the raspberry, vanilla, mint choc-chip, and chocolate.

We had chosen our dishes from the a la carte menu but available all day are “pub classics” such as beer battered fish with tartare sauce, chips and mushy peas (£9.95), Cumberland sausage with mashed potatoes and onion gravy (£8.95) and homemade steak burger with fat chips (£9.95).

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to The Boat and have no hesitation in recommending it. When we left the restaurant was full. Word is obviously getting around.

ADDRESS
The Boat Inn, Erbistock, near Wrexham LL13 ODL
Tel: 01978 780666

MENU SAMPLE
STARTERS
Homemade soup (£3.95), Parma ham, wild rocket and blushed tomato salad (£4.50)

MAIN COURSES
Roast breast of chicken with herb crush potatoes, sautéed wild mushrooms (£13.95), creamed goat cheese with penne pasta, sun blushed tomatoes and broccoli
(£8.95), pan roasted breast of duck with wok fried noodles and vegetables (£13.95)

DESSERTS
Truffle au chocolat with passion fruit coulis (£4.50), baked lemon tart with summer berry compote (£4.50)

ATMOSPHERE
Lovely restaurant. Busy, relaxed and friendly.

SERVICE
Young staff who were friendly, obliging and efficient

DISABLED FACILITIES
None