The Punch Bowl Inn

We went in for a celebratory meal out on our 28th Wedding Anniversary. As ale drinkers, we were happy with the bar offering and set too with a couple of pints of Wainwright’s which were very nice, clearly well looked after in the cellar and nicely served. (Yes, I’m an ex Publican!). Although the pub wasn’t so busy when we arrived, we were offered a choice of a couple of tables to eat at as there were lots of pre booked tables reserved for later in the evening. So having sat down and perused the menu, we both went for the Steak. I went for a 300g rump with the addition of ribs, wife had surf and turf. Both steaks were interestingly served, with the obligatory chips and onion rings and were good cuts, lean and tasty. I ordered mine rare as I’m quite fussy about overcooked steak, and it came out just about rare enough. Wife ordered medium rare which to be honest was a bit overdone, but the ‘Surf’ were amazing (apparently. I don’t do prawns!) So, great beer, great food, why not five stars? Well, it’s a really small thing but makes a huge difference to me. The management have embraced energy efficient lighting throughout the pub which is great, but have installed lamps that emit a really stark white light that gave quite a clinical feel to the place. (Imagine the light you’d get from a fluorescent tube, it reminded me of a 70’s working man’s club vibe) If they had gone for a warm white combined with amber it would make for a far more inviting atmosphere. All that said, would the lighting prevent me from returning? With food and service as good as that, hell no! I’ll just wear my shades next time 😎

Brilliant pub. We were travelling in the area and decided to contact the pub to see if we could get a Sunday roast as a takeaway. I’m so happy with the customer service. The gentleman that took my order called me when the food was ready to collect. The food was outstanding. It was so delicious. Everything was packaged nicely and we had so much food we struggled eating everything. Worth every penny. If we visit the area again we will be sure to come back to this pub. Thanks so much.

Following a spur of the moment booking of dinner for four I was surprised how busy this little out of the way hostelry was on a Tuesday. Having said that, there were not many eating so the booking wasn’t really necessary. Our order for drinks was taken promptly followed a few minutes later by our food order, very efficiently and politely done. We all enjoyed our meals and couldn’t find anything that was wrong with them. Good kitchen obviously. Will return sometime.