I say latest because this is not the first time I have visited the Raymoth Lane venue for a bite to eat, having enjoyed its food on a previous family trips.

Returning this time, I found a menu geared towards traditional pub food, catering for both those wanting a lighter bite or a more substantial meal.

For the former, there is soup, a choice of filled baguettes, baps and jacket potatoes, in addition to a homemade burger and all day breakfast.

Main courses feature such traditional favourites as mixed grill, scampi, shepherds pie, gammon, rib eye steak, braised lamb shank and chicken tikka masala.

In addition, on this particular occasion, these were complemented by a choice of steak and kidney pie, chicken korma, chicken jalfrezi and breaded plaice, from the specials board.

Being a Saturday, and having missed breakfast, the allure of the mixed grill made for an easy lunchtime choice, particularly with a tempting price of £8.50.

My mum, always one for traditional home cooked food, went for the braised lamb shank, priced at £8.95.

The former arrived after a short wait and didn't disappoint. Steak, gammon, liver, two sausages, two fried eggs and chips – just the job to keep out the winter chill.

The steak was cooked just as I'd asked for and the substantial meal tasted just as good as it looked.

The lamb shank was served on top of mashed potato, accompanied by peas and carrots, and a separate jug of gravy.

Unfortunately, the lamb was more of a miss than a hit, being chewy and somewhat overcooked, instead of falling off the bone.

The piping hot tasty gravy did help, but this was a disappointment compared to the mixed grill – a fact we pointed out to the waitress when asked after the meal, who was apologetic and said she would tell the chef.

She arrived back shortly afterwards to offer a complimentary dessert.

My mum chose the syrup sponge pudding with custard, while not to be left out, I went for the waffles with fruit.

These were brought out by the chef I assume, who again was apologetic.

This certainly made up for the disappointment of the lamb, and was a credit to the Three Legged Stool's customer service, as they didn't charge for either dessert.

For despite the hiccup, this had on the whole been an enjoyable meal in pleasant surroundings.

The spacious bar and dining areas make the venue ideal for both small or large groups of diners.

There is also an outdoor seating area for when the weather's warmer.
In addition to the weekday menu, there is also a Sunday carvery at the

Three Legged Stool, with a choice of three meats, priced at £5.95. While Friday night is curry night.

by Angus Henderson
Star rating ***