The Tayleur Arms, Longdon Upon Tern

The phrase "less is more" is definitely something that the Tayleur Arms in Longdon-Upon-Tern could adopt with reference to its menu choice, and I mean this in a good way.

A venue that has always been a popular choice with my dear old mum, I took her along there for a meal recently. Arriving at 7pm on a Friday night it appeared to be very doing well during these tough economic times, judging by the amount of diners there already, with the only free tables being reserved ones.

This could have had something to do with its earlybird menu, which runs from noon to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 7pm Monday to Thursday and noon to 7pm on a Friday and Saturday, featuring main courses for just £6.45. And in a time when sirloin steak seems to be getting more and more expensive when dining out, it has great steak offers, including a 5oz sirloin for £7.50 and a buy one steak meal and get a second one for just £5 (running Monday to Friday).

It was the 5oz steak for £7.50 that was the offer that really impressed us.

A lovely country pub, The Tayleur Arms has a large dining area that is clean and tidy and comfortable, plus a cosy bar area with Chesterfield sofas and a real fire.

Reading up about the pub on its website I read how it also ran a popular Sunday carvery and also learned how it got its name. The Tayleur family held the manor of Longdon-Upon-Tern from the mid 13th centuries until the mid 17th centuries.

Charles Tayleur was born in 1785. He married the daughter of a Liverpool merchant and went to live in Liverpool. He made his money in shipping ventures, opening an iron foundry which built paddle steamers and then ocean going vessels. The first larger ship was chartered by the White Star Line, named RMS Tayleur, after the foundry owner.

Anyway, back to our meals. We perused the menus after having our drinks delivered to our table – a large glass of house red (£4.65), which was nice and smooth, and a tonic water (£1.70).

For starters mum ordered home-made soup of the day (£3.95), while I plumped for chicken brandy port and thyme pate (£4.45).

As mentioned my mum decided on the 5oz sirloin steak (£7.50) after being advised by our smiling young waitress that the dish would be enough, as it came with plenty of chips, onion rings, mushrooms and a salad. Wanting something light I ordered the poached Salmon fillet. This was to be finished with a white wine and dill sauce and served with fresh market vegetables and hot new potatoes (£9.95).

Even though it was busy we didn't have to wait long for our starters to arrive. Mum was very pleased with her soup. It was obviously home-made, being thick and smooth, served with a swirl of single cream, accompanied by sections of warm French bread and packets of chilled butter. Mum said it was lovely, with just a hint of pepper. She really enjoyed it, eventually polishing it all off. The French bread was also delicious.

My pate was served with the same warm French bread and butter. It came as a big sliced chunk of pate edged with dark aspic, together with a ramekin of red onion marmalade and a cleverly presented English garden salad. This comprised leaves, cut tomatoes, sliced carrots and cucumber encircled in a cucumber wrap. There was also a balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing prettily displayed on the plate.

The pate was smooth and rich, with a good strong flavour that was not overpowering. The marmalade was good and tasty, and again not too strong and the salad was nice and light and fresh. I also found the bread delicious.

The waitress was obviously right about the 5oz steak dish. When it arrived my mum's plate was full of food, with the steak still looking a good size.

Mum said it was nice and tender, with a little bit of fat, but that was to be expected. It was cooked medium, as she had asked. She had plenty of tasty hand cut chips, which were nicely done, fresh fried mushrooms, onion rings and salad. Her only complaint was that the salad already had a dressing on it, which was too strong for her.

I thoroughly enjoyed my salmon. It was beautifully fresh, tasty and very tender, with the flesh falling away at the touch of my fork. The white wine and dill sauce complemented it beautifully, being light with a refreshing flavour, and there was more than enough of it. My dish was served with three hot new potatoes, broccoli, carrots and peas.

We were too full for a dessert, although the choice did look tempting, so instead finished off with a latte coffee for my mum. As it was still early, we settled down for a while to enjoy another drink and chat by the fire.

Our bill had come to £34.15 which I thought was excellent value for money when regarding the quality of the food, presentation and service. Go and try it for yourself. I bet you'll get more for your money than you'd expect!