Butlers Bar and Bistro, Codsall

I popped there this week with a friend who came to stay with me and was pretty impressed.

Inside it doesn't look too dissimilar from any normal pub, and you can just go there for a drink, but most guests seem to go there for the grub, which is both sumptious and healthy.

The unique selling point seems to be its Black Rock Grill, which, according to the blurb, is "a healthy and unique way of cooking that allows you to cook your own food at the table - the volcanic rock cooks steaks and grills in a delicious and healthy way, preserving the flavour of our premium quality, local produce".

We watched succulent steaks sizzling away on the table next to us, and they looked fabulous and certainly liven up the eating experience.

I almost plumped for this option, but since Codsall-based Allan Bennets award-winning sausages were being served up with mash, I had to go for that instead.

I started with a tuna and mozzerella salad, and rather than the few slices of each arranged on a plate common in some restaurants, I was delighted to find a huge mound of both, tossed in oil, placed before me. I can honestly say it was the tastiest I've ever had.

It was made even better by the fact that when I cheekily asked if I could have a few olives, my new vice, I was presented with a little dish full of juicy black and green ones.

My main, although not very adventurous, was delicious.

My friend started with crab pate, which she quickly devoured and said it was lovely.

For her main she tucked into tuna fishcakes, which she thoroughly enjoyed, but they came alone except for some chilli sauce and we thought perhaps a bit of salad would not go amiss.

We shared a plate of chunky chips, and then squeezed in some ice cream for dessert. This was all washed down with a bottle of rosé. The bill came to just over £40.

Our visit to Butlers was a pleasant one, and we'd definitely go back. It has brightened up a once fairly dark corner of the village.

ADDRESSS

Butlers Bar and Bistro, 1 Wood Road, Codsall, Wolverhampton

Tel: 01902 841930

By Becky Sharpe