The Talbot, Much Wenlock

Reviewer's rating **** How many times have you walked into a pub and barely been acknowledged by the person behind the bar? A lot more than once, I'm sure, writes Sharon Walters.

That sort of behaviour leaves me wondering why some people are in the hospitality business at all. The word itself says so much about how staff should behave. Meet and greet is a time-worn phrase but it can make all the difference to the success of a business.

One place where you will be warmly welcomed is the historic Talbot Inn in Much Wenlock. My son and I walked in at around 6pm looking to eat. A cheerful smile and "of course we are doing food" attracted us straight away.

We were handed menus and ushered to the dining area of the bar and told to sit where we liked. "Take one of the bigger tables and be comfortable," said the server (who I think was the landlady) "I don't expect we will be busy tonight."

Most of their food is freshly prepared with local produce, says the menu which is extensive and caters for all tastes. Light meals including salads, sandwiches, and jacket potatoes, through to more extensive meals including steaks, fish, and a large Yorkshire pudding with daily fillings.

There is also a daily specials board and a selection of vegetarian meals plus a choice of desserts and a varied wine list with some excellent value bottles to be had.

Son and I were both very hungry and went for the fuller meal.

He had a salmon rosti which arrived with sour cream and a good sized very fresh salad garnish (£5.95). In fact the whole dish was substantial and would have made a perfectly delicious lunch.

I had black pudding Bramley (£4.95). Another healthy portion with grilled spicy black pudding covered with a cider and apple sauce and salad.

At that point I could easily have stopped (hunger disappeared half way through the generous portion) but there was a main course to consider.

For his main course Alex had an 8oz fillet steak (£14.95) with pepper sauce (£1.50).

Medium rare it was ordered and medium rare it was. No steak knife was needed for this well hung piece of beef - tender, juicy and full of flavour.

There were masses of golden and crunchy chips, mushrooms, grilled tomato and so on and so on . . . and a plate of seasonal vegetables. Even the locust couldn't quite manage everything.

I had belly of pork (£12.95). It was described as slow cooked, crisped on top and served in its own juices seasoned with sage.

Well it was indeed slow cooked to the point of falling apart, as it should be, but here is my only criticism of the meal - it hadn't been crisped and I do love crispy pork skin.

The juices were fragrant and I also had a dish of vegetables plus one of potatoes. Again far too much for me to eat but well presented and not overcooked.

There is a wide choice of daily home-made puddings all at £4.25 but neither of us could manage another thing. That's a pity because the Talbot is famous for its bread and butter pudding, which has been a firm favourite for many years. Then again it's an excuse to go back and have a lighter meal with a pudding!

There is the usual array of drinks available including a selection of real ales and a well priced wine list.

Set in the middle of the lovely market town, it was originally known as the Abbott's Hall and dates back to 1360AD. It is thought to have been the Almoner's house, a hostel for travellers and centre for almsgiving.

It is a charming building with many historic features and a lovely courtyard to enjoy drinks (and eating) when the weather is warm. The courtyard has appeared on film - it was used to shoot scenes with Jennifer Jones for the 1949 file "Gone to Earth" an adaptation of Shropshire author Mary Webb's novel.

A lovely building, service, food and drink, in one of the nicest towns in Shropshire (and further afield). What a great way to spend an evening.

ADDRESS

The Talbot, 12/13 High Street, Much Wenlock TF13 6AA

Telephone 01952 727 077

MENU SAMPLE

STARTERS

Soup of the day £3.95); choice of pates with salad garnish and hot toast (£4.95).

MAIN COURSES

Whole lemon sole gently grilled with butter and garnished with cucumber and lemon garnish (£14.50); Shropshire Chicken - breast of chicken stuffed with leeks and served with a Shropshire Blue cheese sauce (£12.95).

DESSERTS

Wide variety of puddings changed daily all at £4.25 including their speciality bread and butter pudding; Cheese and biscuits (£4.25).

ATMOSPHERE

Everything a traditional pub should be. Locals having a drink and a chat and diners.

SERVICE

Excellent and efficient, warm but not invading your space

DISABLED FACILITIES

No disabled facilities