Rating **** Sharon Walters and family catch up on all the latest news over some fine food.

The day started out well enough. London-based son had come up to Shropshire to see granny (and I suppose me!) and we had a pleasant drive from south Shropshire up to Ford to pick her up for a lunchtime treat.

Our first port of call at Dorrington, just south of Shrewsbury, failed – just before we arrived the pub and half the village had lost power and they could only offer us sandwiches.

Back to the car and where to go next that was not too far away with suitable parking for an octogenarian and in a quiet setting?

Just down the road was The Pound at Leebotwood and off we went hoping it had also not suffered someone pulling the plug.

Our luck was back in as we were warmly welcomed, ordered drinks and were taken to a table in one of the spacious eating areas. This 15th Century inn may have a thatched roof and look rather squat but inside it is full of natural light and a pleasure to sit in.

Our drinks soon followed along with menus. We took longer to choose than usual because we were all catching up on news and then there was the problem of how to decide from a very good selection.

One plus point to start was the use of linen napkins, some might say an expensive addition but when you are paying more than £10 for a main course I don’t think a paper one does the job.

Granny couldn’t make her mind up about a starter so bossy boots me decided for all of us – Mr Themans’s platter of cured meats served with olives, local cheese and bread with basil butter (£6.75) for two. Nothing like sharing a plate like this.

Themans’s meats come from up on Wenlock Edge and are delicious. We had a choice of three along with some delicious cheese. The olives were juicy and meaty and the bread was tasty and perfect when dipped into the olive’s oil.

For main courses, two on the table went for homemade burgers (£9.95), I had slow-cooked belly pork (£13.50) and granny pan-fried salmon (£12.50).

Let’s start with the burgers which were thoroughly enjoyed by the men. They were thick and moist with a Shropshire blue cheese sauce, served on a focaccia bun with chips and salad.

The chips were crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside – I know because I just had to try one or two! Son managed all of his plateful but driver Neil had to leave half of his bread, he just didn’t have room – and that is a rare occurrence.

My slow-cooked local pork had been coated in honey and spices and was so tender it just slipped apart as I cut into it. It was also a little daunting in size and defeated me. But the plus side was that my dog had a nice treat when I got home, with it wrapped up and tucked away in my handbag.

Inside The Pound, Leebotwood

I had a very good selection of vegetables including tender carrots and beans and some crispy roast potatoes.

Granny looked a little alarmed when her fish dish appeared, it was almost as substantial as mine. She is of the era that you never left food on your plate. It was a waste and think of the poor starving children in the world.

She bravely forayed into the dish and did rather well, finishing most of the salmon and a fair proportion of her seasonal vegetables which she judged as very good. And let me tell you, that means a lot from this lady. She is still a formidable gardener and amongst her many green-fingered skills is her vegetable patch. And she also knows how to cook them.

Puddings were a big challenge after all that but the boys did manage to squeeze a gooey chocolate pudding in as well.

There is a good range of beers and lagers along with all the other drinks you expect at a pub/restaurant and a well-balanced and fairly-priced wine list.

It is two years since John and Debbi Williams took over at The Pound, which has seen several incumbents in recent years and not all have been that successful.

But on my recent experience this couple have got it just right. The food is excellent, as you would expect from John who has been a Master Chef of Great Britain and was the head chef at the renowned Bodysgellen Hall Hotel, near Llandudno – where I have eaten several memorable meals.

Service is spot on, it is very clean and well presented and the bill won’t frighten you.

ADDRESS
The Pound, Leebotwood, SY6 6ND
Tel: 01694 751477

MENU SAMPLE
STARTERS
Light summer pea soup with whipped goat’s cheese, pea shoots and truffle oil (£4.95); Creamed mushroom and tarragon tart with
dressed salad (£6.95)

MAINS
Parcel confit Shropshire lamb with roasted roots, mustard mash and Madeira sauce (£13.50); Mr Wall’s Shropshire sausages with champ
and caramelised new potatoes (£9.95); Roast venison with butternut squash, fondant potato, confit shallots and red wine jus (£14.95)

DESSERTS
Rhubarb clafoutis with vanilla pod ice cream (£5.75); Cider jelly with ginger cake and toffee ice cream (£5.25)

SERVICE
Efficient and friendly

ATMOSPHERE
Although quite busy it felt a little flat

DISABLED FACILITIES
Wheelchair access and toilets