Many thanks to Eileen Ward-Birch, who provided The Insider with a comprehensive list about where she enjoys eating, along with many other readers.

See also: Dining Out

Halfpenny Green Vineyard is among her favourites, providing good, well-cooked lunches, and wine made on the premises. “You can sit and overlook the vineyards as you eat,” she says.

For those willing to venture further afield, Eileen suggests The Falcon at Hinstock in Shropshire. “More local food, well prepared and with good real ale to wash it down. A real village pub with food.”

For balti lovers she recommends The Spice Bazaar in Bradford Street, Walsall, while for takeaway lunch she says the Pie Factory Shop in Queen Street, Wolverhampton offers great value.

Sarah Gee loves to call in the coffee bar at TJ Hughes in Wolverhampton’s Mander Centre.

“Lunchtimes are my favourite time – for under a fiver you can have gorgeous fish and chips, or steak pie to name a few. Having a sweet tooth, I always treat myself to one of their beautiful cakes,then savour the taste until my next visit.

“The staff always have a smile for you and nothing is ever too much trouble for them. I tried the BHS restaurant once, but I missed the friendliness of the staff.”

Mrs MC Marris of Albrighton likes the Seven Stars at Beckbury, near Shifnal. “The proprietor meets and greets, and his wife, who is internationally trained, cooks well. It’s small and personal, but does get booked-out.”

Paul Griffiths is full of praise for the recently refurbished Baburchi restaurant and takeaway in Woodend Road, Wednesfield, which he says is extremely friendly and well priced.

Adrian says the best place in his neck of the woods is the Plum Pudding near Rugeley. “The food is just fantastic, as soon as you walk in the place smells of nice food and the staff are really friendly, well worth a visit.”

The Wagon and Horses in Wombourne wins Nat’s vote. “The staff are friendly and the food is delicious, also the Three Hammers Bistro at the golf club in Coven is an ideal place for a special occasion, they go out of their way to add the extra little touches.”

Mrs J Young of Wolverhampton says the carvery at Wergs Garden Centre provides good food in a friendly environment, while Mrs RLE Robinson of Rugeley rates the bar meals at The Sun Inn in Lichfield Road, Stafford. “I wouldn’t go anywhere else -Êthe prices are reasonable, the place is spotless, the staff helpful and pleasant, and the food is good.”

Sheila and Norma like The Tiger in Walstead Road, Walsall. “It is a cosy pub packed to the hilt with fascinating Jack Daniels memorabilia.

“The food is freshly prepared good portions and excellent quality. The price of a meal ranges from £3.50 to £6.95 for steak, the salad is always the freshest that we ever eat out, even the coleslaw is home made. There is a nice atmosphere.”

Katie’s tip for a Sunday is The Prince of Wales in Tipton Road, Woodsetton, Dudley. “There is a two-course carvery, which is fantastic and brilliant for the price of £5.95 for adults and £3.95 for children, with brilliant staff and management.”

Ralph Dawson of Codsall has two tips, The Crown at Codsall Wood, and D’Arcy’s in Shifnal.

Roger Underwood of Bewdley enjoys going to the Sun and Slipper at Mamble so much he visits every Friday night. “It’s a lovely, old world country inn,” he says, adding that the food is excellent and there is always a warm welcome.

The Monkey Nut says Dhillons in Bradley offers an interesting mix between Turkish, Greek and Indian food, and was very good value. “Great service and the kebab was sumptuous, I recommend this place highly – very upmarket though, best get the penguin suit on.”