Orbital, Cannock

The pub underwent an £800,000 refurbishment earlier this year to make it more appealing to a wider range of adult clients.

It now boasts a luxurious look with booths, comfy chairs in the conservatory and a plush bar area for those who want to enjoy a quiet drink.

I was pleasantly surprised as I entered the pub as it is much more adult friendly than it had previously been.

The venue has been operating as a Brewers Fayre rather than a Brewsters pub for some time, although I never really felt that it had made the switch before its refurbishment. The revamp, at least in terms of looks, has changed all that.

However, children were still running around inside when I popped in for a quiet meal with my boyfriend on a Friday night.

One cheeky group of children even plonked themselves next to us on our booth and asked if they could sit by us which I found totally unacceptable, although admittedly not through fault of the staff.

But with our stomachs rumbling, we were determined to enjoy a hearty meal.

After deliberating over the wide ranging menu we decided that it would be a good idea to tuck into a combo to share for our starter, costing £6.99.

The dish included battered onion rings, two chicken wings, potato wedges, breaded scampi, breaded mushrooms and two slices of garlic bread.

It arrived fairly promptly and was an enjoyable way to start the meal. However, the main course was not quite up to scratch.

My boyfriend went for the mixed grill, priced at £10.99, but was told there was no gammon and no breaded mushrooms.

He was able to have another portion of steak instead of the gammon but when he requested an extra egg in replacement of the breaded mushrooms it was met with uncertainty to say the least.

After a short delay the waitress returned to the table to say that the exchange was acceptable but it was a bit disappointing that she had caused a fuss originally.

My own meal of smothered chicken with chips and side salad for a price of £7.99 was a much better although the diane sauce was in somewhat short supply and had to be stretched out in order to last the meal. I couldn't really have described it as being 'smothered' with sauce. The menu is a major attraction for diners as it has a wide range of meals that are sure to tantalise even the fussiest of tastebuds.

Pub favourites including hand battered fish and chips, priced at £6.99, half roast chicken, £7.50, and smothered chicken at £7.99 have all proved popular.

There is an impressive selection of grills ranging from the 8oz sirloin steak, £9.99, to the surf and turf, £11.50, and the mixed grill, £10.99, as well as vegetarian options including brie and cranberry salad, £6.50, to cherry tomato and mushroom linguine, £5.99, and Mediterranean roasted vegetable and pine nut lasagne, £6.99.

The pub has been greatly improved since the refurbishment and is now a much better option for adults than it was, although I am yet to be convinced that it will ever truly shake off its Brewsters image.

By Michelle Hunt

The Orbital, Eastern Way, Cannock Phone: 01543 467574