Rating: ***** Tania Taylor says thank you to the readers who suggested we visit this pub.

Telford has its fair share of ‘chain pubs’; don’t get me wrong there’s nothing wrong with these, they have their place in the town and most do exactly what they say on the tin (so-to-speak), but more than often lack that personal touch, so it’s always a nice surprise to discover a traditional homely pub hidden amongst these.

Early one Saturday evening on a blustery autumnal day, myself and my boyfriend Stuart, paid our first visit to The Bell and Bails Inn for a meal.

The Bell and Bails had been closed for a time and reopened its doors in November 2008, and is run by Tina and Steve Bindokas, with Tina running front of house and Steve running the kitchen as the head chef. It’s a pretty black and white Tudor-style building which sits opposite the peaceful grounds of the local parish phurch.

Stepping inside we were soon greeted with a cheery welcome by Tina who was serving behind the bar, informing us that she would be with us shortly, so we had a little nosey around and commented on the friendly atmosphere, noticing there were already a few tables occupied with families and friends enjoying an early evening meal.

Drinks were soon served and we were advised that our table was in the next room. Neither of us had noticed the other door on the way in, so we curiously went to find our table.

Gone was the commercial print carpet and in its place was a combination of slate and wood flooring in a fresh high-ceilinged dining room. Comfy leather sofas and coffee tables sat around the edge of the room – perfect for relaxing with that after-dinner drink – a lovely surprise, it immediately felt a little more special than just a visit to a nice pub for tea.

We took some time browsing the menu as there were so many tempting dishes on offer, and eventually decided on our starters, where I chose the baby beetroot and goats’ cheese tart and Stu the chicken goujons.

The pub advise that as the menu is a la carte, so dishes can take up to twenty minutes to be served – time to relax and chat in my opinion, as it’s never nice going for a meal and feeling rushed – and twenty minutes is a very small price to pay for what we were about to be presented with.

Our starters both arrived garnished with a fresh crisp dressed salad – clearly not just tipped from a ready-to-eat handy bag. The breadcrumb coating of Stu’s goujons was nice and crispy, and they were served along with his choice of a barbecue dip which he polished off no problem.

As for my tart – it was to die for!I love goat’s cheese – well any kind of cheese for the record – but this was the first time that I’d had goat’s cheese with beetroot and I’m hooked! I think I could have probably eaten two or three had I not have chosen a main. A big yummy from me! Both plates were taken away spotless and my mouth was left watering from my starter for some time after.

Inside The Bell & Bails Inn, St Georges

We had a nice pause before our main course was served, so were able to enjoy another drink and generally wind down after a week at work.

Now for the mains. Being a bit of a carnivore I wasn’t surprised that Stu had ordered the steak – a mammoth 12oz sirloin, served with chunky chips, juicy mushrooms, tomato and onion rings. I’d opted for the lamb chumps, served on a base of onion mash accompanied with a side dish of seasonal veg – fresh sweet carrots and crunchy green beans.

Both meals were flawless. Stu’s steak was cooked just right – medium-rare as requested and his “homely” chips were crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy inside (I might have pinched one when he wasn’t looking!).

Both of my courses had left me thinking “I must try to recreate this at home” – from the tart to the delicious onion mash, and we agreed that this was by far the best place we’ve dined at for a long time.

There was one down side though – the fact that we were both a little too full to enjoy one of the delicious looking desserts on offer, having seen a few being enjoyed at another table – a great excuse for another visit!

The food didn’t just look good it tasted good – very good, and the attention to detail didn’t start and end with the food, there were books on the bar, and even toiletries in the ladies and gents for a quick freshen-up.

The welcoming and cheery service was genuine, starting with Tina behind the bar to both of the waitresses who were attentive and friendly – particularly the lady (whose name I should have asked, sorry!) who was quick to hand with a couple of drink mats to level our once wobbly table – thank you!

Also another even bigger “thank you” is owed to our readers, for suggesting we pay a visit to the Bell and Bails. An almost hidden gem, which I will definitely be visiting again in the not too distant future . . .

ADDRESS
The Bell & Bails Inn, Church Street St Georges, Telford TF2 9LT
Tel: 01952 615144

MENU SAMPLE
STARTERS
Jumbo king prawns – Pan fried prawns tossed in garlic or sweet chilli sauce (£4.95); Duck and port pate – A smooth pate served with homemade toasted  bread (£4.65)

MAIN COURSES
Pan Fried Duck – Duck breast pan fried and served with a cranberry and red wine jus (£9.95); Beef Milanese – Breaded sirloin steak coated with Italian sauce and topped with goats cheese (£9.95)

SUNDAY MENU
A choice of two meats, mash potato, stuffing, roast potatoes, fresh vegetables, and a range of starters and puddings (1 Course £8.95, 2 Courses £10.95, 3 Courses £12.95)

ATMOSPHERE
Welcoming and comfortable

SERVICE
Extremely friendly and attentive

DISABLED FACILITIES
A few small steps, may be a little tight in places – best to phone ahead and seek advice beforehand