The Boot Inn, Orleton

Sharon Walters has an excellent meal in a friendly atmosphere.

The Boot Inn, Orleton

I have to confess that it is far too many years ago to remember when I last visited the Boot Inn at Orleton.

Back then in the dark ages it was a very popular beer and food establishment, between Ludlow and Leominster.

But as is so often the way the group of friends you went out with changes, you don't go for a while and then suddenly it is years!

I discovered it had recently changed hands and last weekend on the way back from a wedding in Bristol, I decided to revisit. We were both in need of a decent Sunday lunch after an all-day event on Saturday.

The Boot has a lovely olde worlde charm, a black and white 16th century village inn with a lounge bar, dining area and separate restaurant.

There is an open fire in a large inglenook in the bar area and the welcome is so warm you don't really need it to be lit.

Said bar is obviously popular with the locals who enjoy the real ale to be had and it is pleasing to see dogs welcomed – they are more often than not better behaved than the adults let alone children.

We ordered a couple of drinks and our food and were taken to a table in the eating area – the restaurant was not open. Perfect, still in the cosy atmosphere of the bar.

We both chose breaded garlic mushrooms (it is best to both have garlic when sharing a car) which arrived with a nice, fresh side salad and dip.

Next I had roast lamb which arrived with an excellent, fluffy Yorkshire pudding (I have always said that it should not be served just with beef), crispy roast potatoes and new potatoes.

There were several thick slices of meat, perhaps a little too well done for personal taste but they are cooking a joint for all needs, and a rich gravy. In any event it was tender and flavoursome.

The other main dish was grilled cod with parsley sauce which also arrived with new and roast potatoes. Judged delicious and fresh with plenty of smooth sauce – not a lump in sight.

Two dishes of vegetables also arrived with a selection of carrots and diced turnip in one and cauliflower cheese and broccoli in the other. A pity we couldn't manage to finish them.

But we were piggy enough to go for a pudding.

I had a bowl of fresh fruit salad. A huge portion with which I chose to have ice cream. A crunchy mix of fruit and good quality ice cream.

It had to be chocolate fudge cake across the table which he chose to have with cream. A good slice of fudge cake, a generous jug of cream and he was a very happy bunny as we sat chatting about the lovely wedding the day before.

One course costs £7.50, two £10 and three £12.50. A real bargain.

The welcoming man behind the bar and the waiting staff couldn't have been nicer or more efficient, gently enquiring if everything was all right with each course.

It was obvious that several of the diners were regulars, testament to the quality.

The Boot is part of Village Green Inns which is run by brothers Freddie, Dominic and Charles Collier. The company recently acquired both The Boot Inn and the Horseshoes in Dorrington. They also plan to develop B&B accommodation in due course.

Village Green Inns' philosophy is to maintain the traditional English village pub: "providing outstanding customer service by fostering a welcoming atmosphere, and serving excellent English food – locally sourced and home cooked, with high quality beers and carefully selected wines".

Well it seems to me they are doing just that at The Boot and I wish them every success. At risk of repeating myself too often, it is so good to see a pub – as a pub!

Mention must be made of the chef, although I don't know if he was cooking that day. Belgian Marcel Hilhorst has been mentioned in Egon Ronay and Michelin guides. Marcel was previously chef at Ludlow's Unicorn pub.

There is also a snack menu served throughout the week and an à la carte menu at certain times.

I'll have to go along to the Horseshoes to see if the recipe is working as well there.

MENU SAMPLE

Starters

Seafood and potato salad

French onion soup

Main courses

Roast beef

Roast chicken

Nut roast with Stilton sauce

Desserts

Bread and butter pudding

ATMOSPHERE

Warm, welcoming country pub

SERVICE

Couldn't be faulted for bar service. A cheerful greeting and attentive without being overbearing.

DISABLED FACILITIES

No facilities for the disabled in this listed building.

Contact

The Boot Inn, Orleton, near Ludlow, SY8 4HN. Tel: 01568 780228