Fergus and Anne Maxwell’s bar and informal restaurant in this recently by-passed town, has an inviting black and white frontage with well-maintained window boxes, and there’s a welcoming atmosphere in the comfortable, low-ceilinged reception area and bar.
The restaurant is informal and friendly, and neatly uniformed staff present large, cheerful dinner menus offering a wide selection of popular dishes; arranged by section there are light dishes, soups & salads, fish & poultry, meat and vegetarian, and there is a separate children’s menu.
Typical dishes include crispy mushrooms with a garlic chive mayonnaise to start, and perhaps a main of Old Arch chicken supreme (stuffed with black pudding, wrapped in bacon and served with mushroom & brandy sauce).
Portions are generous, the cooking is generally good and prices are moderate: ideal for a family-friendly restaurant in a growing town. At lunchtime, sandwiches get a menu of their own, and the main lunch menu changes daily.
There’s a large garden area too, with gas heaters, barbecue and plenty of seating.
