Oxon Priory, Shrewsbury

Reviewer's rating: *** and-a-half

KIRSTY SMALLMAN enjoys well-prepared and well-presented food.

The interior of the Oxon Priory in Shrewsbury

I will admit we arrived at the Oxon Priory in Shrewsbury as a last resort after discovering that the country pubs en-route from the Stiperstones closed during the afternoon or do not serve food all day.

Late on a Sunday afternoon after an enjoyable trek to the Devil's Chair, we welcomed the warmth of the Oxon Priory.

We had obviously missed the lunchtime rush and diners were, like us, looking for a late afternoon roast or preparing for their evening meal.

I must admit I am always cautious about chain-style pub menus when in need of a roast dinner; the thought of microwaves and tinned vegetables come to mind. How wrong I was.

In desperate need of a warmer, John and I both opted for the soup – despite being offered two choices we both went for the tomato and basil. Served with a warm roll, it was a generous bowlful and soon disappeared. Tasty and bursting with flavour – my only criticism is that it could have been a degree or two warmer.

All of the staff we dealt with were professional, smart, very friendly and obviously enjoying their work. Apart from one little "niggle" which came when the waitress, after we asked for more gravy, decided to play with a young child in the bar before returning to the kitchen for it. Surely waitresses are paid to wait-on rather than entertain her colleagues' children.

Light background music and silent flat -screen televisions allowed us to talk while also catch up on the day's news and sport scores.

Tables were cleared and wiped swiftly by the staff which was pleasing to see as a chain-pub of such size can often see tables left with dirty cutlery and unwiped until the next customers arrive.

Our main courses arrived soon after our starters were cleared. As we had both worked up an appetite, we went for the traditional Sunday lunch served with roast potatoes, roast parsnips, carrots, peas, cabbage, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. We went for the big plate special as we thought we deserved it!

Everything was served piping hot and enough gravy for most but an extra serving was requested by me. But that was personal preference.

It didn't boast the homemade tags on everything like my mum's does, but the roast potatoes were crispy, parsnips perfect, the meat tender and all of the vegetables served fresh. Despite nearing the end of the day, there wasn't any sign of the use of a microwave.

I managed to polish off everything on my plate, while John was stalled by the portion (but really he had already eyed up the dessert menu and was leaving room!).

We were re-visited by a pleasant waitress to check everything was okay with our main meals, which it was. The plates were once again cleared swiftly.

As you order and pay at the bar, it allows people to enjoy a meal and go without the hassle of waiting for a bill to be served.

However, back to the bar I was sent to order the full-fat puddings. Our excuse – we had worked up an appetite!

Torn between the selection of icecream desserts and the more traditional desserts, John finally opted for the chocolate sundae – lashings of icecream, sauce, cream and chocolate surprises.

Meanwhile I went for the warm chocolate brownies with icecream. Soft and sticky in the middle, I obviously managed to force them down without complaint!

We had a very enjoyable three-course meal with drinks for just under £25 and with the standard of service and the quality of the food, nobody could complain at that.

The Oxon is obviously a busy eatery and popular venue for the sports and one we will be certainly be visiting again. After all with the huge selection of meals on the menu, we've got a lot to get through. And after smelling and hearing the sizzler served to a neighbouring table before seeing it, I know what I'll be ordering.

A perfect venue for a reasonably priced meal for the young (play area outside), the old (easy access and plenty of room with smaller portions available) and hungry people such as us!

MENU SAMPLE

Starters

King prawn cocktail (£2.79); loaded potato skins (£2.99); nachos to share (£3.49)

Main courses

British beef and ale pie (£5.49); smoked bacon and chicken pasta (£4.99); salmon and brie fishcakes (£5.29); chicken New Yorker (£4.99); mighty meaty mixed grill (£8.99)

Desserts

Treacle pudding (£1.99); Chicago baked cheesecake (£2.79)

ATMOSPHERE

A traditional pub-style relaxed atmosphere.

SERVICE

Efficient, friendly and professional.

DISABLED FACILITIES

Full disabled access and facilities.

Contact

Oxon Priory, Shelton Corner, Welshpool Road, Shrewsbury SY3 8DL. Tel: 01743 271686