Malthouse, Willenhall

Admittedly pubs don't seem to be quite as bad as they used to be - especially since the introduction of dedicated smoking areas, but I did think twice about entering The Malthouse in Willenhall after opening the door to be greeted by a sea of smoke.

The smoking area in the Wetherspoons pub located in the centre of the town is currently situated near the front door and perhaps doesn't give a great impression for people that have come for a non smokey bite to eat.

However with no time to go anywhere else we decided to plough on through to the main section of the pub where thankfully the stench quickly disappeared.

Nipping in for a quick bite to eat one afternoon, my friend and I had no problem finding a seat or getting served quickly at the bar.

We decided against starters and instead both plumped for one of the more substantial main courses in a bid to avoid an evening in front of the cooker.

For those interested in a light bite, options include soup, salmon and lime fishcakes, baguettes and jacket potatoes.

I ordered the roast chicken, smoked ham and leek pie with vegetables and chips, priced £6.19, while my friend went for the slightly cheaper scampi with chips and peas for £5.39.

The meals were hot and served promptly although I did feel for £6.19 they could have found me some slightly fresher looking vegetables. Some of the chips were also a little under-cooked. I also felt the prices were slightly high given that I've always believed Wetherspoons is more into providing quick food at low cost than posh expensive pub grub.

The pudding menu was very tempting but in the end we decided against it.

Desserts range in price from £1.49 to £2.69 which seems fairly reasonable with options including fresh fruit salad, ice cream, treacle sponge, chocolate fudge cake and, of course, apple pie.

The Malthouse is based in the centre of Willenhall. The massive building was previously the old Coliseum cinema and the Dale Bingo hall before its transformation into a pub at the end of the 1990s.

ADDRESS

The Malthouse, New Road, Willenhall

Phone: 01902 635273

By Emma Tate