We were looking for somwehere to celebrate a special occasion, somewhere family-friendly and not too pricey but a cut above your usual pub fare, writes Sally-Anne Youll. Oh, and not too far from home.

It seemed at first like it might be a lot to ask, but luckily for us we don’t live too far from The Nelson Inn and we found everything we were looking for in one compact and convenient package.

The Nelson, in Creswell Green, near Burntwood, is a fantastic example of an old-fashioned watering hole which has embraced the move towards gastro-pubs with huge success and remarkably without losing any of its country pub charm.

It is neatly tucked away amid the leafy lanes of the village and those who decide to try it should be sure to get some directions first – even with local knowledge we weren’t quite sure we were heading the right way as we meandered through the deserted lanes, but all of a sudden it appeared before us like a desert oasis.

Inside, we found a warm atmosphere, a bar with only a couple of drinkers, but plenty of room for others with large squishy settees and chunky wooden tables.

We were greeted straight away by the friendly bar staff who informed us that our table was just being prepared and took our drinks order while we waited.

A few minutes later we were shown through to the dining area, furnished with more of the rustic tables and chairs, this time formally laid for diners, and a huge open fire. The modern tableware and a bright red cowhide rug added a few contemporary touches which prevented the olde worlde feel becoming too overbearing.

We were handed the menu which has a host of special-sounding meals, from the traditional to the more unusual, but equally tempting dishes.

I had trouble making my mind up, the choice was so extensive, but eventually I chose the salmon with crushed new potatoes served with a creamy sauce. The salmon was freshly cooked to perfection, firm and full of flavour and complemented perfectly by the tasty sauce.

The potatoes were also delicious and there were plenty of them.

My husband chose the rib eye steak, which again was cooked exactly to his liking and served with plenty of chips. Accompanied by onion rings with a side order of mushrooms, he couldn’t find any faults at all.

As we visited on a Sunday the other members of our party chose the Sunday lunches, one beef and one pork.

They arrived with meat and potatoes drizzled with gravy and a side order of vegetables.

At first glance they didn’t look like much on the plates and we feared a disappointment was in store.

However, from the first mouthful the meal was accompanied by approving comments. The meat was declared delicious and the gravy left us trying to guess how they had made it so tasty.

The vegetables were also tasty, although they could have been cooked a little longer for my taste.

The children had their own menu to choose from, and at £4.95 was very reasonably priced. They chose a pizza and a burger. They were both pretty substantial meals in their own right and would have been enough for most adults so they went down a treat. There is no skimping on quality for the children here, and no turning to the the freezer for run-of-the-mill children’s fayre that is always popular but has little nurtitional value.

They both declared their meals were delicious, and the (almost) empty plates at the end of the meal were testament to that.

For the price they got a drink and ice cream thrown in. Again, no complaints there, especially from the adults who helped them finish off the pudding!

We passed on the adult puddings – although we were very tempted we just couldn’t fit it in.

While we were waiting for our food, which wasn’t long, the children went outside to the play area. It was easily visible through the french doors from our seats, which meant us adults could enjoy a drink and retain peace of mind that the children were safe.

Inside there was an easy, relaxed atmosphere and we were well looked after by the attentive, but not overbearing staff.

The main meals cost from £6.95 for the roast dinners to £12.95 for the steak and the whole bill, for four adults and two children, including drinks came to a total of £63.30. Very reasonable for a delicious family meal in relaxed, rural setting.

The Nelson is the ideal venue for any special occasion or just a week-night meal out – just make sure you ask directions first.

ADDRESS
The Nelson Inn: Padbury Lane, Creswell Green, Burntwood, WS7 9HL
Telephone: 01543 674438