The Wingfield Arms, Montford Bridge
Cathy Stanworth and her family enjoy a superb Sunday lunch at a packed restaurant.
Every table in the large restaurant was reserved by name card, as were those in the snug. In fact this particular Sunday lunch time was so busy the staff even had to squeeze in another pre-booked table near the bar.
It was another gold star reader recommendation that had led me to take my mum and two boys to try out The Wingfield Arms' very popular carvery – which was destined to get thumbs up all round.
I already knew the place from doing an undercover restaurant review just over two years ago. That particular visit was to gain it three stars, resulting from a slightly overcooked Whitebait starter and T-bone steak main, while this one easily gained a fabulous score of four.
It wasn't just the very tasty food that ticked all the boxes, but the lovely service happily provided by the enthusiastic and smiling young waitresses.
Twenty-four months ago my dining partner and myself were given a table in the snug, as the restaurant was being prepared for a function the next day. This time, thanks to booking in plenty of time, we managed to get an early table in the actual restaurant.
Obviously a purpose-built extension, I found it attractive, light and clean, and perfect for a foody outing with relatives or friends who enjoy a nice roast lunch in comfortable surroundings.Arriving just after noon the chef was still doing his or her preparations, so we ordered some soft drinks before settling down at a table near an open fire in the bar, to wait to be called through. The first people to be ushered in, we were shown to a nice table and handed carvery tickets, two adults at £7.95 a head and two children's one at £3.95. The smiling staff invited us up to get our food when we were ready. Everything smelled delicious and looked very appetising. With the meat and poultry you could have whatever you wanted, in whatever combination you wished for. These were served with big, homemade Yorkshire puddings, stuffing and cauliflower cheese if you wanted it. There was turkey, beef and a roast ham, all served in generous portions.
You helped yourself to the vegetables and there was a good selection. They included mashed carrot and swede, roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, roast parsnips, broccoli and cauliflower, finished off with a lovely, dark and rich thick homemade gravy. While my youngest tried to avoid the vegetables completely, swerving round back towards the table as fast as his little legs could carry him, he was soon called back by me to at least try some, with this raising a smile from the staff.
All four of us sat happily back at our table and tucked in, with it suddenly going very quiet. My beef was absolutely delicious. Well done, it was crumbly and tender and very tasty and there was lots of it. My Yorkshire pudding was big, brown, light and tasty – just as it should be. The mash, carrot and swede, and cauliflower cheese was delicious, having good, satisfying flavours. The roast potatoes were well roasted, dark brown and crispy on the outside and white and fluffy in the middle. The broccoli and cauliflower was cooked nice and al dente and the gravy was very tasty, with a good, strong meaty flavour. Nothing could be faulted. The boys enjoyed their tasty and tender turkey but soon succumbed to some of my and Grandma's extra beef slices – more than once! Mum was the only one to also have ham, which she said was absolutely delicious.
Although no starters were on offer, there was a puddings menu on the table, which included small and large ice cream portions. A small ice cream portion comprised three scoops, with the large including five!
The boys ordered two small portions of Chocolate and Vanilla ice cream at £1.50 each, which was ideal for them. Meanwhile Mum ordered Lemon Sponge and Custard (£2.95), while I ordered Apple Pie and Vanilla ice cream (£2.95).
When mine arrived they'd got it wrong, having given me custard. But as it looked so nice I decided to keep quiet. The mistake soon realised however, three scoops of Vanilla ice cream was then put before me, with "the compliments of the chef". How kind.
The ice cream quickly disappeared, with two heads nodding away when asked if they were enjoying it. My apple pie was delicious. It tasted of cinnamon blended with generous slices of perfectly cooked, soft and satisfying, moist hot apple – beautifully combined with a gooey/crumbly topping. The custard was hot and creamy and really lovely.
I was pleased that it wasn't an enormous portion. As well as being light, it was just big enough to tackle. Mum was so pleased with her Lemon Sponge she said it was one of the best she had had in a restaurant.
The bill, including mains, puddings and drinks came to just £37.75. What a bargain, being less than £10 a head! If you enjoy a generously sized, well cooked Sunday lunch carvery packed with flavour, then head down to The Wingfield Arms (formerly The Old Swan).
Just make sure you book plenty of time in advance!
ADDRESS
The Wingfield Arms, Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury SY4 1EB
Tel: 01743 850750
Rating: 4/5
