The Seven, Shifnal

Star rating: ***** Shifnal has long boasted a reputation for a string of eateries - although I must admit it is a town I had not actually dined in before our visit to The Seven.

As I walked past on an afternoon when it was closed, the advertisement of the loft conversion restaurant caught my eye.

Always looking for somewhere different to eat, my partner and I went on a Wednesday night.

The bar offered a warm welcome with stylish leather sofas, where customers were enjoying drinks in groups and others reading newspapers while dining.

The barmaid offered us the restaurant and the bar menu and after looking at both, we decided we would prefer to eat in the restaurant but John wanted a main course off the bar menu.

We were politely told this was not a problem and we could order from either menu - this was a nice offer because so often we are torn between menu choices.

After being served with drinks we were swiftly shown to the loft converted restaurant - it was a pleasant surprise. With low beams separating the restaurant into cosy corners, we were given the choice of where we wanted to sit.

After perusing both menus for a few minutes, the friendly waitress returned to take our order.

My only concern was with the kitchen being downstairs the food may lose its heat before being served. I couldn't have been more wrong.

Our more than generous portions of creamy garlic mushrooms were served piping hot with the most generous portion of fresh bread we had seen. Each was served with a large chunk of white warm bread.

Telling myself not to finish the starter as it would spoil my main course, I failed to obey my own orders and polished off everything. Delicious - and the same compliment came from John.

The main course was where we were split on choice. I went for the restaurant menu and ordered the breast of chicken with a creamy bacon, mushroom, herb and white wine sauce. I had the choice of it being served with either pasta or sauteed potatoes.

I went for the potatoes but with a huge portion of vegetables also served, including my favourite red cabbage, I must admit I probably didn't need either.

John wasn't too hungry when we arrived and certainly wasn't after the starter but went for the 8oz gammon. Again a more than generous portion piled high with lattice fries.

Both of us were beaten by the portion sizes and disappointed we couldn't carry on because both meals were wonderful.

The dessert choices including triple chocolate gateaux or white chocolate torte would have usually been ordered by John but sadly the two courses had more than satisfied us.

It'll have to be a return visit to test out the sweets.

The wait in between courses was just long enough to realise that the chefs obviously prepare the meals fresh and are not victims to the microwave.

The loft experience was a very pleasant one. Although, we were in part of the conversion with four tables but were the only diners in there. I think on a busier night the tables may have been a little too close and may have lost the intimacy.

We will certainly be returning to The Seven and with an excellent outdoor area it would make a pleasant place for a summer lunchtime snack. But with the long winter months ahead, we'll be sticking to the loft.

This is a restaurant which is not given the justice is deserves by the exterior of the premises but once inside you get the best of both worlds - a comfortable bar for a few drinks at the weekend and the restaurant offering an array of fantastic food.

ADDRESS

The Seven, High Street, Shifnal

Telephone (01952) 463740

MENU SAMPLE

Starters

Grilled goats cheese in a puff pastry case (£4.25); Tomato and black pudding tower (£4.35); Saute kind prawns (£5.35).

Main courses

Tuna steak marinated in lime and chilli (£10.95); Wexford fillet of beef medallions topped with stilton and mushrooms on a pepper sauce (£11.95).

Desserts

White chocolate and champagne torte (£3.95);Rhubarb and apple crumble with custard, cream of ice-cream (£3.95); Maple and pecan cheesecake (£3.95).

ATMOSPHERE

Very relaxed in the bar, more formal in the restaurant but cosy and intimate.

SERVICE

Efficient and polite.

DISABLED FACILITIES

Disabled access in the bar but not to the restaurant as it is a loft conversion.

SMOKING POLICY

An outdoor smoking area with heaters.

By Kirsty Marston