The Ugly Duckling

Took our daughter out for a 30th meal at The Ugly Duckling. Lovely location in the Shropshire countryside. The staff were all brilliant and the food well cooked and presented. Very good portions and full of flavour. Can't wait to go back in the future. We didn't stay there so can't comment about the rooms.

6 of us dined here on a Thursday evening, arriving at 6:15. We had one of the dining areas almost to ourselves, for the first 20 minutes, until other (somewhat noisy) guests arrived and when we left at 8:20 the dining areas were full and buzzing. I ate bbq lamb rump, and thought it was excellent, followed by sticky toffee pudding. Negatives: my son's first pint of Doombar had to be returned, and replaced. Table top was a bit sticky.

Stopped for brunch. The restaurant looked very nice outside and in. Ordered the English breakfast and was quite surprised when it arrived. A big breakfast! The coffee was ok too. The only let down for me was the music/noise. Ghastly repetitive drum beats which I eventually asked if they could put on something musical before I went crazy!The follow up wasn't much better really. Yes I know. I'm old. But in mixed age restaurants surely something more general and easy listening would be more suitable. Club music doesn't fit the bill. The service was ok but a little cold and impersonable.

Back to one of our favourite local places for a Friday evening dinner lately with our daughters. After a couple of hiccups of late - they are back on track with good food, presentation & better service. There is always a good selection of drinks & the place is popular whenever we visit. Food choices were good & tasty. We like the idea of sharing small plates as starters & followed by mains.