Old Three Pigeons, Nesscliffe

Rating **** Kirsty Smallman says other pubs should take a leaf out of the Old Three Pigeons' book.

Rating **** Kirsty Smallman

says other pubs should take a leaf out of the Old Three Pigeons' book.

Another family birthday and another meal out. This time it was dad's choice (as it was his special day) and to accommodate me being in Telford and them in Oswestry he kindly chose The Old Three Pigeons.

We had all dined there several times previously and always enjoyed our meals.

Regular review readers will note one of my recent reviews criticised staff and the atmosphere of one venue - what a difference a change of venue and change of staff can make.

We enjoyed pre-dinner drinks in the bar area in front of the fireplace in what can only be described as a traditional, Shropshire family-run pub - a rarity these days.

We were given menus and shown the extensive specials board on the wall by the polite waitress - who was cheerful and obviously had a real passion for her job and the customers.

Despite me being completely indecisive when she returned to take our order (spoilt for choice by homemade cuisine and fresh fish dishes), she enjoyed polite conversation with the rest of the party while I made my choice and questions about dishes on the menu were answered with confidence - she really was a delight.

A short time after ordering we were called to our table which was in the top area of the pub - an area we had not dined in before but tables were spacious and well laid out so our party of six did not intrude on neighbouring tables of two.

Two of the party, including myself, ordered the garlic mushrooms, which included a selection of pan fried mushrooms in garlic butter (£5.95). They were tasty and a generous enough portion for me to offer them around.

Other family members had the homemade soup of the day (£4.50); meatballs on a bed of pasta(£5.95) and garlic bread (£6.50) to share which was topped with cheese and red onion. All of the starters were polished off swiftly and given the thumbs up.

Several members of staff looked after us during the evening - all of whom were as friendly and professional as the first barmaid we had come across.

They really are a credit to the pub and restaurant.

Our starters were cleared promptly and we were offered drinks at the table - a welcomed offer as the bar area is small and it saved disturbing our meal.

In what seemed like no time at all with all the talking going on, our main meals arrived.

Three sirloin steaks (£15.50), all cooked differently but perfectly, had been ordered and were served with sauces on the side (sauces which are not added at an extra cost - another rarity on a menu).

The other meals ordered were off the specials board and included the giant yorkshire pudding filled with a homemade steak and ale casserole (£8.25) and homemade Mexican burger (£7.95).

I was one of those who ordered the burger and was extremely pleased with it. There were two homemade chunky burgers served on ciabatta bread, served with salsa and a generous bowl of mixed salad - the meal itself was so generous I could literally only manage a few of the homemade chips which were served separately.

The chips were the best we'd tasted and served alongside generous bowls of fresh vegetables.

There wasn't a single complaint from anyone and all of the meals were given the thumbs up.

After all that some of us failed to be able to fit in any more but we were glad others did. My spoon certainly found its way over to my sister-in-law's homemade cheesecake which was wonderful. A chunky serving once again which was light and tasty with a hint of amaretto.

The meal was finished off with a selection of coffees, mine being a latte, before we rolled ourselves out to the cars for the journey home.

The Old Three Pigeons is certainly doing things right and it isn't a secret judging by the popularity of the place during the week.

Many other venues could take a leaf out of their book about quality home-cooked food, locally sourced ingredients and customer service.

ADDRESS

The Old Three Pigeons, Nesscliffe, SY4 1DB

Tel: 01743 741 279

Web: www.threepigeonsnesscliffe.com

MENU SAMPLE

STARTERS

Tempura King Prawn, £6.95; Selected Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms, £5.95

MAIN COURSES

Roast Loin of Welsh Lamb, £12.50; Glazed Roasted Breast of Duck, £13.95