Station Inn, Horsehay, Telford

Star rating: **** We first visited the village of Horsehay and the Station pub more than two years ago when we were house hunting - we thought visiting the pub would give us the perfect insight into the village, writes Kirsty Smallman.

And indeed it did - with house particulars in our hand it was obvious we were not "regulars" but we were given the warmest welcome by the cheery landlord Pete (one of the very few who still owns a pub which hasn't been taken under the wing of a brewery chain).

We were soon tempted by the smell of home-made food coming from the kitchen of what I would describe as a "proper village pub". It turned out an expensive meal though as we bought the house the following day!

The Station has not failed us in that time since - top quality food boasting the use of local produce, friendly staff and exceptional value.

Our latest visit was with friends who had suggested the Station after previously enjoying a mid-week meal with us - the Tuesday night offer of a free starter or pudding when ordering a steak may have had something to do with it.

Many pubs, especially struggling against the credit crunch, may be fighting for diners at the weekends, never mind the weekdays, but on our visit The Station was obviously coping fine!

The restaurant and most of the tables in the bar were full with diners (on a Tuesday night) - luckily our friends had grabbed a table before we arrived. Late arrivals, my brother and his girlfriend, joined us too, snapping up the last table for two.

The restaurant area is small but I know there are plans to refurbish the pub and create a new dining area to cater for the demand.

The same menu is also served in the bar and staff always go out of their way to cater for you even on the busiest of nights (as tried and tested when I have failed to book or made a last minute decision not to cook).

Despite just arriving back from Thailand, I ordered the Thai style fishcakes, while Andrea went for the breaded mushrooms and Ian ordered the black pudding. All of which were generous portions with top presentation.

The starters always put a smile on my face at The Station as they are served with a generous, fresh salad with a tasty dressing - it is obvious time is taken to prepare them and they are not just thrown together as often seems the case elsewhere.

With the Tuesday night offer, the others saved themselves for their free pudding.

Five rump steaks were ordered, cooked to varying degrees but all with chips - despite the offer of a jacket or new potatoes.

I had changed my order several times before the waiter eventually had the chance to write down my choice down - eventually going for the homemade steak and Merlot pie served in a huge dish with a puff pastry lid, hot crispy chips and peas. The size did eventually beat me but it was gorgeous. Quality cuts of local beef in a beautiful Merlot gravy style sauce and lots of mushrooms.

The other diner who did not order steak was Andrea who went for the homemade beef and stilton lasagne - again the portion beat her but she did her very best to polish it off.

All of the steaks - two ordered with a pepper sauce - were finished without complaint and all cooked perfectly to the individual's liking.

The ones who didn't order starters didn't hesitate when they were offered their free puddings - John had his eye on the waffle with banana ice-cream and cleared his plate before I even had chance to suggest we should have two spoons.

Scott ordered the homemade apple crumble with custard and Jill went for the hot chocolate fudge cake.

The Station is a very successful village pub which offers fantastic food but I sometimes feel it is hampered by the lack of space - but I believe plans have been approved and changes are in the pipeline. But I can also hear many regulars asking "why fix if it's not broken" which is true.

ADDRESS

The Station Inn, Horsehay, Telford

Telephone 01952 503006

MENU SAMPLE

Starters

Grilled balsamic and olive oil goat's cheese on toasted ciabatta (£5.25); home-made chilli battered squid rings with lime and paprika dip (£5.45)

Main courses

Home-made chicken and wild mushroom stroganoff (£9.75); grilled swordfish steak on roasted vegetables, new potatoes and a mango salsa. (£10.95); sausage board - selection of Wenlock Edge pork sausages, with choice of various mash and gravies.

Desserts

Home-made pear and blackcurrant crumble; lime and ginger cheesecake.

ATMOSPHERE

Relaxed atmosphere where everyone, staff and customers, give you an extremely warm welcome.

SERVICE

Friendly and attentive.

DISABLED FACILITIES

No toilet facilities especially for the disabled. No steps. Staff willing to accommodate wheelchair users at the most appropriate table.

SMOKING POLICY

Smoking area outside