The Danery, Quatford

"It's a good job we booked in advance!", I said to my boyfriend Stuart as we sat down to a snug table - for-two one busy Friday evening,

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I had decided earlier in the week that it was about time we visited The Danery, which sits neatly tucked behind a row of trees in a small hollow off the A442 Bridgnorth to Kidderminster Road.

It's a pretty, bright, white building, decorated with leafy greens and blooms - very picturesque this time of year and very inviting. As we stepped through the front door we were met with a welcoming smile from the lady behind the bar, where we were greeted then shown through to our table in the cosy main dining area. We sat down with a drink and read through the menu, checking out the evening's specials board.

For starters, Stu decided on the homemade chicken liver pate, served with toast and a fruity plum and apple chutney, and I had a traditional starter of prawn cocktail.

While waiting for our first course to be served, we noticed that many of the diners were repeat customers, exchanging pleasantries, happily chatting away to the staff about their week. The bar area was busy, too, with locals enjoying their Friday night pint of local real ale, even the resident Jack Russell made an appearance - running to the door in a bid for freedom.

We definitely had the impression of a real community atmosphere, though felt that any new face which was to enter would be given the same friendly welcome as the locals - just as we were!

Soon our starters arrived and they were the perfect appetiser. Stu enjoyed his meaty pate, especially the contrast in flavour alongside the sweet chutney, and I was served a generous portion of tasty prawns in a rich Marie Rose sauce - nicely presented on modern white crockery rather than in the old fashioned cocktail glass. Both dishes were served with a fresh salad garnish and were easily finished.

For his main course, Stu ordered the 12oz gammon served with chips and peas, and I chose to sample their homemade dish of steak and kidney with seasonal vegetables and mash (there is the option of, jacket or new potatoes if you'd prefer).

The gammon comes garnished with the choice of egg or pineapple, Stu 'eventually' chose the pineapple, though mentioned afterwards that he'd have liked both - I said that he should have just asked. I'm sure they'd have obliged! He had no trouble clearing his plate even down to the last pea.

As for my main, the steak and kidney was very tender, it was well marinated in a rich meaty gravy topped with a crisp golden puff of pastry, served with hot mash, broccoli, carrots and peas. Good hearty food. Though I must confess to leaving most of my veg - just in case I fancied a dessert a little later.

We sat happily chatting after our main and had a giggle about a little seated area which we spotted called 'The Nookie', before I got distracted by the friendly waitress approaching with the desert board. I just had to order a slice of the refreshing sounding lemon cheesecake, after all, it would have been rude not to!

Okay, I'll have to admit I did feel a little full after the cheesecake, which came served with ice-cream (fresh cream's an option too) and I found it a little sweet for me, so we decided to stretch our legs and walk off a little of our meal and explore the garden.

Outside we discovered a function room to the rear which is known as the "Shed", this caters for up to 60 people and can be used for various different events and functions.

There's also plenty of outdoor seating in a large private garden where you can relax and children can safely play - there's even a big elephant slide to keep them happy - while the grown-ups have a drink and unwind.

With food served seven days a week, including regular events such as their "Sausage night" held on a Monday and Tuesday using local sausages, and their traditional Sunday roasts at the end of the week, there's something to suit all the family's taste buds. There is a menu for the children and a regularly changing specials board, all prepared by chef proprietor Ros.

On leaving , after a satisfying evening all round, I received a little comment card which read "A traditional family pub, run by our family, for your family", something that owners Ros and Andrew have done successfully, and I'll definitely be paying another visit . . .

ADDRESS

The Danery, Quatford, Bridgnorth WV8 6QJ

Tel: 01746 762266

MENU SAMPLE

STARTERS

Breaded Mushrooms (£4.75); Homemade Soup of the Day (£3.95)

MAIN COURSES

Home Battered Cod (£10.80, Large), Vegetarian Lasagne (£8.60)

DESSERTS

A choice from the specials board - Lemon Cheesecake served with cream or ice-cream (£3.85)

ATMOSPHERE

Homely, obviously a community venue with friendly locals and returning regular customers

SERVICE

Very welcoming, friendly and polite

DISABLED FACILITIES

A little tight in places though shouldn't be too much of a problem - just the one small step