Red Lion, Longdon Green

Located just off the A51 near Rugeley, the Red Lion could be described as a gastro-pub but feels a lot more homely than the term suggests.

The setting is a world apart from the busy dual carriageway you leave just a few hundred metres behind and in the summer, patrons can sit in the beer garden and enjoy the thwack of leather on willow as the local cricket team plays on an adjacent pitch.

After much deliberating over a number of delicious sounding dishes, I plumped for the chicken breast with chorizo and sun-dried tomato cous cous with chips, £10.95.

It was a fantastic choice, quality ingredients beautifully cooked and a terrific balance of flavours.

My partner selected the roasted halloumi cheese open garlic sandwich with chips, £4.95, and polished it off with relish.

My mother and one of my brothers had Packington loin of free range pork, sage stuffing, apple sauce, roast potatoes and red onion gravy £8.95, while his wife chose free range sirloin beef, with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and red onion gravy (all with seasonal vegetables), £9.55.

Despite her enduring hangover - impressive as it was 5.30pm - the younger Mrs Pritchard managed most of it, and what she didn't, the senior version ate for her (to save embarrassment.)

My other brother demolished his huge rib-eye steak sandwich with tomato salsa, salad and chips, £5.25.

The bill, including two bottles of tasty house red - Rioja Tempranillo (£13.95 each), three coffees which come with a Twirl bar and several soft drinks came to a very reasonable £84 - less than £15 a head, and no service charge.

If you're in the mood for something special without the price tag to match, make the effort and seek out the Red Lion. You won't be disappointed. Booking is advised.

Nick Pritchard

Hay Lane, Longdon Green, Near Rugeley, Tel: 01543 492906