If you love top quality pub grub in idyllic surroundings then you won’t go too far wrong at the Whitmore Arms.

We arrived at noon Saturday and before long the downstairs area was packed. The atmosphere was vibrant, and we soon discovered why this pub is so popular.

Firstly, the choice is unbelievable. Including specials there were 15-plus starters and 20 main courses on the a la carte menu, all of which, the menu reassured us, were home-made and freshly cooked.

After much deliberation, I went for the Chicken Indienne and my wife Katy opted for the deep-fried brie wedges.

Mine featured a chunky diced breast of succulent, lightly-spiced chicken combined with jalfrezi-powered mayonaise, served on the crispiest bed of leaves.

I thought I was making good headway, until I glanced up and noticed Katy was just munching into her last, gooey wedge (which came with cranberry and apple salsa). She was speechless. Partly because her mouth was full and partly, as she soon revealed, because it was probably the best starter she’d ever had. I normally get a taster, but this time I didn’t get a look-in.

The mains had a lot to live up to. And they didn’t disappoint. My haddock came poached, surrounded by a delicate, breaded cheesy herb crust and a splash of Tarragon sauce.

The combo of moist, flavoursome fish, its light crunchy surrounds and subtle aniseedy sauce made for a top quality dish.

Meanwhile, Katy went for the old classic bangers‘n’mash. Three huge, tasty pork and leek sausages came served on a creamiest mash smothered in thick, rich, onion packed gravy.

We took a much-needed time out for 15 minutes, determined to sample desserts.

The honeycomb caramel charlotte caught my eye. The extremely naughty, sugartastic cake came with toffee crunch ice-cream. Despite my fullness, this over-indulgent finale was put away with ease, leaving me thoroughly satisfied.

Unexpectedly, Katy conquered hers too – an Italian-style chocolate torte, with chocolate ice-cream. It was enticingly soft and creamy while the ice-cream was devilishly rich.

It had been years since I ate at the Whitmore Arms, a pub clearly not prepared to rest on its laurels. I can assure you it won’t be years until I go again…and maybe book me for that brie starter next time.

THE BILL

Chicken Indienne  £5.95
Brie wedges  £5.75
Bangers ’n’ Mash  £10.50
Haddock  £11.50
Honeycomb caramel charlotte  £5.95
Chocolate Torte  £6.25

THE VERDICT (Out of 5)

Atmosphere 4
Food 5
Decor 4
Value 4
Service 4

Disabled access? Yes