Of the many charming pubs along High Street in Old Leigh, the Crooked Billet is perhaps the most endearing.

Dating back to the 16th century and featuring wooden beams and low ceilings, the pub has that authentically old, rickety appearance. What better way to spend a lovely summer’s evening?

My girlfriend and I went there on a Wednesday night. The only table left was in the centre of the pub. The unsteady table was a bit of an annoyance when it caused our drinks to spill, but we had a fantastic view out over the estuary.

I grabbed a menu and liked what I saw. There was lots of choice with the usual pub favourites like bangers and mash plus some more upmarket fare like salmon en croute. It was all very reasonably-priced.

Though not the healthiest dish, the grilled brie is a favourite of both of ours, so for starters we went for that plus the beer-battered mushrooms. Both went down a treat. For mains, I could not resist the 10oz rib-eye steak. Covered with a creamy blue cheese sauce, it was mouth-wateringly good with a pile of crunchy chips and tasty mushrooms.

However, my girlfriend was disappointed with her halloumi salad. The cheese was deep-fried, rather than grilled, and the salad had no dressing though staff brought some when she raised the issue.

We were so stuffed, there was no room for dessert though we were tempted by some of the treats offered.

Overall, we were impressed with our visit. The service was fairly quick and the staff helpful. The Crooked Billet has great character and a warm and cosy atmosphere.

For quality pub fare at great value look no further.

What we ate Starters Deep-fried brie in rosemary and garlic crumb served with Cumberland sauce £4.45 Beer-battered mushrooms with smoked paprika and lemon mayo £3.95 Mains 10oz 21-day aged rib-eye flat mushrooms and grilled tomatoes £12.95 Blue cheese sauce £1.50 Warm halloumi salad with grilled asparagus, mushroom and mixed leaf salad, dressed in a herb vinaigrette £6.45 Garlic bread £2.25 Our verdict (Out of Five) Atmosphere 4; Food 3; Decor 4; Value 5; Service 4. Disabled access No