Wingfield Arms, Montford Bridge

's search for that special accompaniment to her steak is now over . . .

Having been working round the Shrewsbury area recently I couldn't help noticing the pretty village pubs and inns scattered about as I was driving around.

But what may look like a warm and welcoming place from the outside can sometimes sadly disappoint on venturing in. Hence I always prefer the safer bet of following up a recommendation, if I can.

When a reader gave us the nod that the food was good at The Wingfield Arms I quickly got on the blower to book a table for myself and my partner Simon.

Walking towards the entrance from the car park it looked like the main restaurant was closed, but we later discovered that it was laid up for a function the next day and so diners were being served in the snug.

Walking through the bar into the lounge we passed some locals enjoying a pint. I noticed how friendly the staff were and you could tell this was a warm and welcoming place.

On ordering some drinks the landlady, told us our reserved table was ready and waiting for us, but I asked if we could sit on the sofas by the log burner to read the menu and this was no problem. She came and put a lamp on for us in the inglenook which was considerate.

As well as the menu there was a specials board which was pointed out to us. For starters I ordered breaded mushrooms with a garlic dip (£3.50), and Simon chose whitebait coated in flour and deep fried, served with a lemon and tartare sauce (£4.25).

As we were both in the mood for a steak, and there was a good choice of them, Simon went for a T-bone steak "cooked to your liking served with a traditional steak dressing, grilled tomato, mushroom and onion rings" (£14.50) and I ordered a 10oz sirloin steak, again "cooked to your liking" (£13.50). I added some steak Diane sauce (£2). Both dishes came with chips and vegetables.

As the locals in the bar area had now embarked on a singalong, Julie came over to us to ask if we wanted a table a bit deeper down in the snug that would be quieter. We quickly agreed and were shown through to our table. This dining area was bigger than I had first imagined. It already had two or three large tables of families and friends all happily tucking in.

It was a comfortable dining area and we settled down quite satisfied, anticipating our first course. After a short wait our starters were served. I enjoyed my mushrooms and the garlic dip. The mushrooms were battered in the shape of little balls. The batter was brown and golden and the mushrooms soft and tasty inside and my salad garnish was fresh. I was very pleased.

Simon's whitebait was also battered but he wasn't so pleased with his dish. The batter on his whitebait was darker and looked like it had been in the oil just a few moments too long. He said his whitebait tasted a tad overcooked.

After our dishes were cleared (and I'll say that each member of staff who looked after us was friendly, smiling, courteous and considerate), we took a rest before the mains.

I was looking forward to my steak and especially the Diane sauce. For a long time I've been on the hunt for a place in the county that does a decent steak Diane. Thumbs up to The Wingfield Arms here - their sauce was heavenly. It was dark and glistening with lovely slices of mushrooms and was the closest I've got to my original favourite. It went beautifully with my medium, tasty steak.

The chips were nice and there were plenty of them and the vegetables were pleasant as were the tomato, mushrooms and onion rings. Simon agreed with me about the chips and vegetables etc, but was slightly disappointed with his T-bone, saying he felt some of the meat was a bit overdone, when he'd asked for it to be medium.

We were too full to have a pudding so finished off our meal with a coffee.

The Wingfield Arms had proved itself to be a warm and friendly place, serving good food at value-for-money prices in pleasant surroundings.

ADDRESS

The Wingfield Arms, Old London Road, Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury SY4 1EB

Tel: 01743 850750

Website: www.thewingfieldarms.com

MENU SAMPLE

STARTERS

Pate with warm toast (£3.50); Prawn platter with a seafood sauce and brown bread (£4.25)

MAINS

Fish and chips - a fresh fillet of cod seasoned Bombardier batter (£9); Pasta and Stilton bake. Pasta twists covered in creamy Stilton sauce, with mushroom and broccoli, served with chips (£6.50)

DESSERTS

Bailey's bread-and-butter pudding (£2.95); Traditional hot apricot sponge with custard (£2.95); Homemade crumble - apple or rhubarb or mixed fruit (£2.95)

SERVICE

Professional, helpfully considerate and accommodating

ATMOSPHERE

Warm, welcoming, friendly and cheerful

DISABLED FACILITIES

Flat access into the pub from the main restaurant and wheelchair friendly