The White Hart, Ironbridge

Reviewer's rating ***

It is nearly two years since I visited The White Hart and despite enjoying a good meal there I had failed to return since but that was nothing to do with the experience. There's just too much choice in the area.

But during a recent farewell visit from my friend, who was leaving for a two-month trip to Australia, I thought we'd go for a walk along the Wharfage and see where we fancied to eat.

The sun was shining and we were both looking for somewhere to enjoy a relaxed, extended lunchtime together.

It wasn't quite warm enough to eat outside but the seating area outside The White Hart is what attracted us.

After checking they were serving food, the friendly barman served us our drinks. It was quiet in the bar area as it was early during the lunchtime period but there was a group of women with sleeping children in their prams relaxing on the sofas - so that's what you do on maternity leave!

We opted for a window table so we could enjoy the good weather behind the protection of the glass! After seeing signs offering soup and a sandwich for £4, I thought they may have only been serving lunchtime snacks but after asking for a menu we realised there was a full menu on offer too.

Light bites, starters, steaks from the griddle, a choice of fish and vegetarian dishes - spoilt for choice. But we are so predictable - I'd already guessed Jen was going for the prawn cocktail, while once again I went for my usual breaded mushrooms.

As we enjoyed our drinks and reminiscenced about the nights we'd enjoyed in Ironbridge after indulging in too much alcohol, it seemed just a short while until our starters arrived.

My breaded mushrooms were served crispy and piping hot on a bed of finely chopped white cabbage with a garlic mayo dip.

I was a little disappointed in comparison to other places I had had the simple starter - it could have been improved if the chef had added a splash of colour with a small salad garnish - and there was only six mushrooms!

I have dined at other pubs where you get 10 mushrooms at a cheaper price. But perhaps I'm just a pig!

Our starter plates were promptly cleared and despite it still be quiet there was no fear we would get forgotten about. But by the time our main courses arrived, we had had time to do a bit more catching up and more food orders had gone into the kitchen.

Despite the wide choice on the menu, both Jen and I went for the homemade burger served in a ciabatta roll.

We wanted to go for something a bit more adventurous but our decision was made up for us when we spotted one of the plump, juicy looking burgers going past before we ordered.

The burger was cooked to perfection - and for those who say how can you get a burger wrong - you can.

But the chef at The White Hart had got it just right - with a portion of crispy, fresh chips - the plates were soon cleared. Again I'm sure the plates would have enjoyed a nice fresh salad garnish to finish it off.

During the time we were having our meal, surprisingly the bar man managed to get a word in edgeways and asked us if everything was okay.

Before we finished - much more talking than eating going on - the chef showed his face from the kitchen and made a point of stopping to check everything was okay. He also asked the neighbouring diners too - a nice personal touch which was appreciated.

We were both tempted by the sweet menu but decided to walk a few of the calories off before enjoying an ice-cream at the Iron Bridge.

After a fight to pay the bill - which I won - we both left completely satisfied. Two two-course meals and two large drinks for just under £30. This total was helped by the "credit crunch" saver - buy two main meals and save £5.

Other offers included £4 for soup and sandwich, £3 off two "light bites", £2 for a pink of Hancocks HB bitter and £1 for a second shot of spirit.

Mike Hibbert who has run the White Hart for the last two years has made many changes with a more secluded outside drinking area and a new menu.

I know where I'll be going to enjoy the sunshine during the summer months.

MENU SAMPLE

Starters

Cheesy bacon and mushroom romaine (£4.50)

Golden chicken fillet goujons (£4.50)

Main courses

Chef's special hunter's chicken - chicken breast with bacon and mature cheddar cheese (£9.95)

Chef's own spicy lamb kebabs (£8.95)

Desserts

Double chocolate sponge pudding Homemade creme brulee (both £4.50)

ATMOSPHERE

Bar area very relaxed but the upstairs restaurant offers a more formal setting.

SERVICE

Efficient and friendly.

DISABLED FACILITIES

Access and toilets for the disabled.

Contact

The White Hart, The Wharfage, Ironbridge. Telephone (01952) 432901