Bandon Arms, Bridgnorth

Star rating: **** Kirsty Marston finds that offers like two main meals for the price of one does not mean that corners have been cut.

Star rating: ****

To be quite honest, I usually turn my nose up at pubs with any such offer as 2-4-1 because I believe you only get what you pay for and if you've only paid for one meal then they must be cutting corners on the food somewhere.

But despite bad experiences at other special offer pubs in the county, the Bandon Arms in Bridgnorth has forced me to change my opinion.

My partner, John, had enjoyed a meal at the pub with his friend on a previous occasion, which was what had started our visits - one successful visit led to another.

Our first dining experience was a warm Sunday evening and the pub was busy. But what was most impressive was despite my partner and I taking the last table in the large packed room, our meals were served hot, tasty, quickly and by an extremely polite member of staff. What more could you ask for?

So back we went but this time was a Monday night when I was just too lazy to cook.

The pub was much quieter than our previous weekend visit but still not too quiet and there was still a nice welcoming atmosphere throughout.

Despite telling myself on the short journey there that I would go for one of the healthy options on the menu, I failed miserably!

The friendly waitress took her time to lay our table with two sets of cutlery, rather than my previous experiences of other brand pubs where they literally throw the cutlery at you, if you get any at all.

I chose the creamy garlic mushrooms served with garlic bread, while John enjoyed the breaded garlic mushrooms served with garlic mayonnaise and salad.

Good job we weren't trying to impress each another!

There was a nice break between courses but not too long which is one of my pet hates.

After our starter plates were cleared, our main courses followed shortly after.

Perfect for someone as indecisive as me (especially with such a large menu choice) - I ordered the steak and scampi combi. The steak always has a real chargrilled taste to it and is cooked to perfection.

And some people would think you can't go wrong with scampi but you so can but once again the chef at the Bandon Arms got it right - served crispy and hot, with chips and a side salad.

The reason we returned this time was because John had fancied the steak and ale pudding, served with chips, gravy and mushy peas - once again.

The pie, although probably not made on the premises looked like and tasted like a homemade pie from a local butchers, and was packed with filling.

The portions on both courses are just the right size - again something which surprised me as I'd been to so many other places where you could tell you're only paying for one because you got half the portion sizes too!

Although on each occasion we eye up the packed calorie dessert menu, we unfortunately have yet to try it out but I am sure they will be just as good as the other two courses.

On a previous occasion before ordering food, the barman told me there would be a 40 minute wait for food and asked if I still wanted to order. This was an appreciated touch as it is so annoying waiting "forever" for a meal, you are expecting to arrive in a reasonable time.

In fact, our starters arrived in just 10 minutes and our mains shortly after but at least they covered themselves for any complaints and gave us a nice surprise at the same time.

You'll be glad to know, despite failing to choose the healthy options on the menu, we did enjoy a walk by the river afterwards before driving back home.

The Bandon Arms is certainly worth a visit at any time of day because they serve all day every day, but could also be worth a night over in one of their hotel rooms to explore the beautiful historic town.

The Bandon Arms offers any two main course meals for the price of one meal (the cheaper meal is free).

by Kirsty Marston

The Bandon Arms, Low Town, Bridgnorth 01746 763135

MENU SAMPLE

Starters

Soup of the day (£2.25); crispy prawns (£3.75)

Main courses

Salmon fillet served with a chilli sauce (£8.65); Hawaiian gammon smothered with cheese and pineapple (£9.45); 12oz rib eye steak (£12.50)

Desserts

Apple pie (£2.95); chocolate brownie

(£2.95)

ATMOSPHERE