Seven Stars, Oldswinford

The trend was started by The Seven Stars, in Grange Road, which became a 'gastro pub' a few years ago when it opened a restaurant to go alongside its busy bar.

The bar food menu also underwent a radical overhaul and, instead of the usual all-day breakfasts and scampi and chips, it now lists mouth-watering delights such as ciabatta with panzenella salads and breaded chicken schnitzels.

Popping in for a quick bite on a weekday lunchtime, I sipped a coke (£1.20) while I struggled to decide from the new autumn/winter menu.

I opted for the delicious-sounding home-cooked ham and eggs with rough-cut chips (£6.95) and took in my surroundings as I waited.

Tastefully redecorated and looking like a mix between a wine bar and an authentic boozer, the bar still manages to retain a traditional feel thanks to the smoked glass windows and original tilework.

Despite the modern new look and a large plasma screen TV, the ornate wooden bar still has pride of place.

The food soon arrived and looked delicious when delivered by the friendly, helpful barperson.

The eggs and chips were cooked to perfection and the generous portion of thick ham tasted as though it had come straight from a farmhouse kitchen.

Being very full, I took five minutes to look over the rest of the menu and was impressed with the variety. There is a range of lighter meals and side orders, including exotic sandwiches, bowls of olives with feta cheese and a selection of pastas.

A wide range of teas and coffees are also on offer, although the children's menu was a little limited.

For dessert, I decided on the dark chocolate slices stacked with marshmallows and creme fraiche (£4.45).

The meal came to £12.60 which was expensive for a quick lunchtime bite but, for surroundings and choice, The Seven Stars offers classy food which is a cut above your average pub grub.

ADDRESS

The Seven Stars, Grange Road, Oldswinford, Stourbridge

Tel: 01384 444123

By Jon Wood