The Fox, Shipley

Country pubs conjure up images of friendly hospitality, a good pint, decent food and a roaring log fire.

And while The Fox at Shipley on the A454 Bridgnorth Road most certainly ticks these boxes, the experience was not so memorable as to recommend driving around seven miles out of Wolverhampton for.

Despite the very friendly welcome and faultless service by pleasant and polite staff, customers could find The Fox a bit lacking in atmosphere.

Perhaps this was due to there being a few empty tables and less drinkers gathered at the bar than you would expect for 8pm on a Saturday night.

To improve the ambience, the pub should pay more attention to lighting as the lights in the conservatory dining area, where a few tables that otherwise could have been cosy were dotted, were far too bright which can be off-putting.

Some simple dimmer switches or even candles on the tables would have made all the difference.

Atmosphere aside (David Gray was playing in the background but it was very faint), the location of our eventual table near a fire was good enough and about as close to fellow diners as in most other pubs.

The historic building with its wooden beams was originally a farmhouse first recorded in 1812 and there are five separate eating areas comprising wooden tables and chairs.

As its website boasts it is "famous for its sizzlers", the steak and chicken versions priced £11-£12 seemed good bets and they were.

They arrived literally sizzling within 20 minutes of ordering, comprising a good portion of tasty, well-cooked meat tossed with peppers and onion and served with sauteed potatoes and a nice salad on the side.

The menu offers a decent range of dishes priced at £7.10 upwards, including three vegetarian options, daily specials, children's portions and the usual fish and traditional pub options. Sweets are just under £4 per portion.

The chocolate pudding with chocolate sauce is rich but rewarding in taste, while the cheesecake's base was a tad soggy and would have been enhanced with ice cream or cream.

Overall a visit to The Fox won't be disappointing, but for visitors from further afield, perhaps not so special as to rush back.

Stella Stokes

Bridgnorth Road, Shipley

near Pattingham,

Tel: 01902 700376