The Wolseley Arms, Stafford

I first came across the charming Wolseley Arms pub, which is perched on a twin roundabout off the A513, during a canal boating holiday last summer.

We'd moored up under Wolseley Bridge and after a day spent in the musty claustrophobic confines of a narrowboat, the pub's open fires and rustic charm were understandably welcome.

The staff were pleasant and well-turned out, the ales were good and, after going without food for more than two hours, its menu looked enticing.

However, as an unashamed vindaloo addict, I was craving some spicy food at the time and so instead opted to eat at the Rose of Kashmir across the roundabout complex. Our meal proved to be excellent and featured the bonus of a jovial waiter who doubled up as a stand-up comic - I'm told he's a bit of a local celebrity.

So myself and the Wolseley Arms had unfinished business to attend to and when the chance to take a friend out for her birthday arose, I suggested we should head out of Stafford and give it a try.

First impressions were very good and, although the place was busy as it was a bank holiday weekend, we were able to find a table straightaway - a waitress immediately removing the tatty tissue left behind by a previous diner as we sat down.

The menu gave us a lot to choose from and was sensibly priced, with a main course of average pub grub retailing at around £7 per person.

When I went to the bar to place our order, the drinks weren't extortionate either - a glass of Chateau Neuf Du Pape red wine, which costs around £12 per bottle, even in supermarkets, was a reasonable £5 or so.

Our food came promptly, was piping hot and well-presented - although the glazed vegetable accompaniments on both dishes were an identical carrot and green bean combination.

I opted for a fish pie which was topped with a delicious creamy crust and filled with tender pieces of salmon and white fish.

It was soft, perfectly cooked and tasted fine, although I felt the portions could have been slightly more generous.

My dining companion had opted for the Guinness and beef pie and when she was unable to finish it off, I was able to have a taste of what was left - plenty of hot mash, a delicate puff pastry crust and a tasty filling of quality beef and the black stuff.

The total bill with one round of drinks came to £16, which was more than fair for the food, the upmarket but informal atmosphere and the prompt, efficient service.

Chris Gorman

Wolseley Bridge, Stafford

Tel: 01889 883011