Springfield Hotel

Part of the Brewer's Fayre pub chain, The Springfield Hotel is nevertheless a countryside establishment - in fact you may even hear the hoot of the resident owl as you enter. And if you've never been to a Brewer's Fayre public house, you're in for a real treat when it comes to the food.

There is plenty of everything to choose from. My favourite starters are the mushroom and stilton melt and the very savoury pork and bacon pâté, one of the dishes recently introduced. Vegetarian-friendly and all priced from £5.99 to £10.50, the choice of mains is almost staggering. Choose from Specials, Pub Favourites, Steaks and Grills, Tasty Choices, Lighter Dishes and Salads and a Classic Roast - served every day and all day on Sunday. I recommend the Lincolnshire duck, superbly cooked in a gorgeous orange, wine and liqueur reduction - best complemented by a chilled Montana Sauvignon. Daytime Bites are also available from Monday to Saturday between noon and 6pm, and there is a children's menu that even includes organic baby food.

From the Indulgent Treats and All-Time Favourites dessert menus I recommend the raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake followed by Italian Costa filter coffee.

The Springfield Hotel has successfully achieved a blend of the contemporary and traditional and, as part of a branded operation, they provide very good individual service with careful consideration of their customers' needs, including a non-smoking policy in the dining area. With generous helpings of tasty, reasonably priced, good quality food coupled with extensive opening hours and food for the whole family, you can expect nothing less than to leave this congenial atmosphere extremely satisfied.

Bookings can be made for tables of eight or more. Please ask about their party package.