I have been meaning to try the Seven Stars pub since I moved to the area three years ago. It has quickly become the model for a successful community-owned pub, one that offers a warm, inviting atmosphere, an award-winning selection of ales (Town & Village Pub of the Year 2016: Champion for Real Ale), and a menu packed with tempting pub food. And it's safe to say that it lived up to the hype.
Our meal began with an act of super-heroic hospitality. A botched booking on my part saw us arrive on a packed Sunday lunch with a table reserved for the Monday. The manager set to work finding us a table, managing to placate a hungry toddler and preventing us from having to leave and find food elsewhere. It immediately gave me faith that this was going to be a very good meal, and with the miracle of finding a free table on a sold-out Sunday achieved, we sat to peruse the menu.
For our starters we went with a pair of small dishes that could easily double as bar food. I opted for pigs in blankets (perfect for this time of year), whilst my partner chose scampi. As good as starters can be, sometimes what you really want is an individual item taken from a main. The food came out at lightning speed and was scrumptious, a mouthwatering taster for what was to come. Each of these items was cooked just right and I'd happily attend the Seven Stars again just for some of their smaller dishes.
As it was a Sunday we each had a roast. My partner exclaimed 'this Yorkshire pudding is magnificent' and they were fabulous, home-cooked puffs of perfection. The rest of the food was equally good, with the beef tender and well-cooked, and the pork perfectly approachable with just the right amount of crackling. Our vegetable accompaniments were at just the right quantity, with the cauliflower cheesy and firm in all the right ways. The roasts were just delicious. Plus the toddler's chicken nuggets were much appreciated, the chips perfect for dipping.
Even though we had been heartily fed, we gallantly found room for desserts. A treacle tart for my plus one, ice cream for the toddler and a brownie for me. And each satisfied their respective diner, delicious whilst not being too decadent. They left us stuffed but very happy.
What makes the Seven Stars stand above surrounding village pubs are the little extra touches it brings. Friendly, efficient staff who offer a slick, seamless meal. Books and games tucked away on a book shelf, easily accessible for those in need. A warming fireplace and friendly décor. It all comes together to offer a must-visit establishment. Our meal began with the staff saving the day, and they continued this by providing us with an exceedingly good Sunday lunch.