Crown Inn, Albrighton

Star rating: **** Kirsty Smallman visits The Crown in Albrighton, near Cosford, and finds that "they seem to be getting it just right".

The Crown Inn, Albrighton Star rating: **** Village pubs need to produce quality food at reasonably prices to get the customers, which they so often rely on - the locals - to return time and time again, writes Kirsty Smallman.

At The Crown in Albrighton, near Cosford, they seem to be getting it just right.

I was joined by my husband John and our brother-in-law Tim during a recent visit to The Crown when I must admit I was a little apprehensive.

I don't know why but I thought it was more of a drinkers' pub rather than a diners' venue. How wrong I was.

As I feel chain pubs, this particular one owned by Marston's Brewery, don't usually serve good roast Sunday lunches I opted for something from the main menu. The others followed suit.

In fact all three of us went for the breaded button mushrooms - they were served piping hot in a plentiful portion with a fresh, well presented side salad and garlic mayonnaise.

The waitress was very pleasant and even though she had the usual pub banter with Tim (a local!) I am sure she would have offered the same welcoming smile and polite service for any customer, whether local or strangers.

When the starters were polished off, the courses arrived soon after. Enough time for a break but not long enough that you are left wondering if your existence has been forgotten.

After a hectic Sunday when we had not had time to fit in a meal, John and I both had a good appetite and opted for the "mega meals". What a mistake after such a good starter.

Mine was the mega chicken tikka - served in a huge balti style dish, huge portion of rice and chips, naan and poppadom. But the portion size did not mean the quality was lost - served hot and fresh with lots of tender pieces of chicken in a generous serving of tikka sauce.

Not usually a fan of a mixed grill, John surprisingly went for the mega version of it! Yet another surprise - he actually made a good attempt at clearing his plate but was beaten.

Although he did say how tasty it was and all the meat was cooked perfectly, without the layer of fat which can so often spoil a mixed grill. All of the chips served with the meal had obviously been freshly, deep fat fried rather than "dipped" as many times as possible.

I too, for once, was beaten by the food in front of me - but I know what you're thinking - serves you right for ordering the mega portion - my thoughts exactly! This diet will start again one day!

Tim, who wasn't as greedy as his family and ordered a normal portion, was also beaten by the steak and Marston's ale pie. But he also gave it the thumbs up too - he said the meat was tender and succulent in a tasty gravy. We were each looking at each others' dishes with envy.

Although the Irish cream cheesecake and other desserts, packed full of calories, were screaming at me from the menu - all three of us decided we were too full for anything.

Inside The Crown Inn, Albrighton Next time it'll be the normal size portion for me so I can fit in that third course and after having such a good pub meal will even test the Sunday roast.

We've also got another reason to return - the pub has since undergone a revamp boasting new decor and carpet.

The Crown also offers curry nights on a Wednesday, steak night on a Thursday and "golden greats" Monday to Saturday from noon to 5pm where two courses cost £3.95!

Staff at The Crown seem to be doing everything just right and I am assured none of the chefs have been changed since the revamp - I'm sure the new carpet and a lick of paint will have made it even more welcoming than it was before.

And judging by how busy it was at the end of the day on a Sunday, it seems with the reasonable prices people in Albrighton are snapping up the chance to dine out at such low cost.

Yes another thumbs up from me - despite recent criticism from readers of these reviews I seem to be on a running streak of great dining places which offer what they claim to and get rated accordingly.

When visiting a pub you expect great pub food in a pub style atmosphere with friendly staff. No, not everything on the menu is home-made and it is far from a fine dining experience - but it is exactly what it says on the menu "a pub".

The Crown Inn offers great value pub food at a much higher standard than many other pubs in the county and deserves its four stars.

I certainly don't dish out praise unless it is justified. Contact

ADDRESS

The Crown Inn, High Street, Albrighton, near Cosford

Tel: 01902 372204

MENU SAMPLE

Starters

Paté and toast (£3.10); Barbecue chicken wings (£3.15)

Main courses

Beer battered fish and chips (£5.65); Tomato and goats cheese ravioli (£5.35)

Sides

Side combo (four onion rings, four breaded mushrooms and garlic bread) (£1.75); Garlic bread (£1.50)