The White Lion, Ketley

Reviewer's rating **** When I first moved to Telford around five years ago I became a regular diner at The White Lion in Ketley,

My housemate and I used to use the two-4-one offer and enjoyed good quality plentiful meals. Good pub grub - in a traditional style -pub - with friendly service.

Then as time went on I realised I'd forgotten about the good dining experiences at The White Lion and despite driving past on regular occasions and saying we must try there again, we hadn't done so.

But one Friday night when my husband John was home earlier enough to eat out before putting Eddie to bed, we headed there with our fingers crossed that it wasn't fully booked. I know from friends who have celebrated special occasions there, including 18th birthdays, that you do need to book as it is such a popular pub.

On arrival at 6.30pm I popped in and saw every table full – plan B was obviously going to be needed. But the front of house member of staff (who I have since found out was the owner Debbie) was extremely helpful and after checking the bookings said the table in the window would be free in a few minutes and we could wait for that, which we did.

We ordered drinks at the bar and by the time they were served the table was free and being wiped and relaid by very efficient waitresses. A highchair quickly arrived and we settled down to peruse the menu. It was much larger than I remember and offered a good selection of meals, other than the promotional menu of two for £14.95 which is served Mon-Sat lunch and evenings.

We were both hungry but couldn't decide on what starter we wanted. Simple solution to the problem - we went for one of the combos to share - there were two options but the chicken goujons and garlic mushrooms on offer on one of them forced our decision. The other was a selection of oriental appetisers. Priced at £6.95 (for two) it was a bargain and the plate was soon cleared. Served with a salad and a selection of dips, it was given the thumbs up.

I was once again indecisive when ordering the main meals but eventually opted for the lamb shank (£11.75) which was set to be served on a bed of mash potato but as I had already imagined mopping up the red wine jus with chips I asked if I could swop the mash for the full fat chip version! "No problem", was the answer.

While once again torn between choices, John, went for the mini mixed grill. John enjoys a mixed grill but can never manage a full version or can often be over-faced by such a meal. The mini grill priced at £8.95 was just right in portion and selection and was again a good value meal.

We opted to order a side order of garlic bread to keep the little man quiet during our meals which seemed to work for a few minutes but after that he was much more interested in the attention he was getting from the women enjoying a birthday party on a neighbouring table.

The meat on John's mixed grill was cooked to his liking, tender, and was not slipping around the plate on grease - like a mixed grill can so often be at some places.

My lamb shank simply fell off the bone and was tender and perfect in taste. As the red wine jus was served separately it meant I could enjoy as much or as little of it as I preferred.

We both really enjoyed our meals but due to the plentiful portions and the larger starter option we enjoyed, we were both too full for desserts. But the board offered a good selection offering chocolate, toffee and fruit based desserts. I really was tempted but knew I'd regret it if I did.

The pub has been left with a traditional look and feel and has not been transformed into a gastro-style pub. It hasn't undergone any huge revamp to make it open plan, so tables are available in both parts of the large bar area and also the smaller bar area too. Window tables give a secluded feel to some of the tables which is great for privacy – they have not tried to put too many tables in the pub, despite needing them due to their obvious popularity.

The staff are a credit to this pub. Debbie who kindly accommodated us when she clearly didn't have to was professional and polite but had a personality which made us feel very welcome. The young waitresses were also very good and efficient and addressed all of the needs any diner would have – they were a team any boss would be proud of.

Our meals were checked half-way through and I got the impression if there had been a problem it would have been resolved with a smile, just like everything else they do at The White Lion.

The two-for-one offer is still available but despite there being a huge choice, we both opted for the main menu. The White Lion also offers a carvery every Sunday from noon to 5pm. If it is as good as the experience we had, then I'm sure it is a busy five hours. We will be returning to try the carvery very soon.

ADDRESS

The White Lion, Holyhead Road, Ketley, Telford TF1 5DJ

Tel: 01952 612810

MENU SAMPLE

STARTERS

Tomato and mozzarella salad (£3.95); Oriental platter (£4.50); Black pudding and crisp bacon salad (£3.95)

MAIN COURSES

Steak Defoe - Sirloin steak with port, stilton and mushroom sauce (£10.95); Swordfish steak (£10.25); Mushroom stroganoff (£7.75); Selection of main courses

two for £14.95

DESSERTS

Treacle sponge (£3.50); Chocolate and caramel fudge cake (£3.50)

SERVICE

Friendly, professional, efficient and polite.

DISABLED

Both disabled access and toilets.

ATMOSPHERE

Traditional pub - welcoming and warm