Meadow Inn, Ironbridge

and family were glad they went back to an old haunt for a midweek steak.

The last time we dined at The Meadow was several years ago with some friends and we were sadly left disappointed. We were served average food and had to wait far too long for it. As you might have guessed we didn't rush back.

But I am guessing it has since changed hands and with a change of name and a re-brand - now known as a steakhouse - we decided to try it out for a mid-week evening meal. On our previous visit we were very impressed with the venue, decor and furniture and remembered it being very cosy.

I phoned in advance to check what time they started serving and was told 6pm and also offered the chance to book a table - as it was a Tuesday night I didn't think we would need too but did so just to be on the safe side.

We arrived in good time to order for 6pm knowing a certain one-year-old son would be tired after a busy day at nursery. Before becoming a parent I didn't appreciate tired, grumpy children in restaurants later at night while I was dining so I don't expect other diners to either.

On arrival at The Meadow there was only one other couple dining but it was still early and from overhearing their conversation they were residents staying at the pub, which also boasts five contemporary designed bedrooms

Our table was reserved by the fire place with a high chair in place. Our drinks order was taken promptly while we perused the menu.

I had already decided that I was ordering a steak - how could I resist when we were at a steakhouse. My husband John also opted for the steak - I think the photograph of char-grilled steaks helped us with the choice.

The menu offers a good selection of other meat based dishes from the grill, along with vegetarian and fish options.

The huge choice of homemade dishes, including the chef Mark's steak and ale pie or the gourmet burger, were very tempting.

Torn between the tantalising choice of starters, we decided to share the Meadow combo platter (£10.95) which included a skewer with three succulent, perfectly cooked king prawns, breaded tender chicken strips, onion rings, large breaded mushrooms, garlic bread, served with a generous portion of salad, sweet chilli, garlic mayonnaise and barbecue dips.

The plate was cleared (with a little help from Eddie who seemed to particularly enjoy the onion rings) and was given the thumbs up by both of us - the prawns in particular were fantastic (and I am not usually a huge fan of king prawns but I just did the easy bit by eating them and left John to do the messy bit before serving them on my plate!)

We had both ordered an 8oz sirloin steak which came with a choice of chunky chips, saute garlic potatoes or root vegetable mash - we both went for the chips. John also opted to "surf-up" his meal - king prawns served with the steak for an extra £3.50.

It was a welcome change to see on a menu the chance to have a sauce served with a steak at no extra charge. After checking they were served separate, I went for the pink peppercorn and John for the stilton.

Apart from the sauces and chips, the steaks were also served with onion rings, salad, corn on the cob and tomato.

With the steaks being cooked perfectly tender with a beautiful char-grilled flavour, we had no complaints. The boasting on the menu of the fact that the chef ensures the meat is hung for three to four weeks for the tenderising and flavour certainly proved true.

My only "little" criticism is that the handful of side-salad simply consisted of mixed lettuce - and nothing else. No dressing, no colour - quite different to the salad served with the starter which was decorative and much easier on the eye. A touch of cucumber, tomato or pepper and a light dressing would have made a difference.

I also wished I'd opted for the saute garlic potatoes as I mistakenly thought I had read that the chunky chips were homemade and they weren't - I found them a little too chunky but it is a personal choice.

We were very impressed with our meals, the service which was efficient and friendly - we were served by both a waitress and what we believe was the manager of the venue.

With the dark night, it would have been tempting to continue the meal with a dessert and a coffee by the fireplace but Eddie had other plans as bedtime approached.

Also due to the generous starter we had enjoyed and the generous main course which followed our appetites wouldn't allow - even the waffles on the dessert menu couldn't tempt us.

The modern pub and restaurant gives a lovely, warm welcome and with a separate bar area any regular drinkers are separate from the diners. Tables are well positioned so even on a busy night the restaurant wouldn't feel overcrowded.

I was so impressed with our latest dining experience I am hoping to return to try out the Christmas menu - and when all of the decorations are up, The Meadow, with it's beamed ceiling and fireplace and spot lighting and lamps will be a fantastic festive venue where diners will not want to leave.

The chef also offers steak night on a Monday which includes two steaks and a bottle of wine for £20 and a fresh fish supper night every Thursday which includes a free dessert.

ADDRESS

The Meadow Inn Steakhouse, 29 Buildwas Road, Telford TF8 7BJ

Phone: 01952 433193

Web: www.meadowinn.net

MENU SAMPLE

STARTERS

Large breaded portobello mushroom (£4.95); Calamari tempura - baby calamari in tempura batter (£5.95)

MAIN COURSES

10oz Gammon Steak served with fried egg & pineapple (£10.25); Double boneless pork chops - two meaty pork chops with homemade apple & cider sauce (£9.75); Meadow mixed grill - 4oz rump steak, pigeon breast, lamb chop, venison sausage, pork chop, egg and hogs pudding (£14.95)

SIDES

Chunky chips, House salad,Garlic bread (all £2 each)

ATMOSPHERE

Welcoming and relaxed

SERVICE

Efficient and friendly

DISABLED FACILITIES

Disabled access