Food review: The Boat Inn, Gnosall, Staffordshire

Nestling on the Shropshire Union Canal in the village of Gnosall, The Boat Inn is a great little find.

It's certainly off the beaten track, but I guess more than a little familiar to those using the waterway – and of course its local patrons.

Described by its owners as a traditional, family-run pub, it proved to be exactly that – cosy, relaxing and friendly.

There was an obvious pride taken in the freshly cooked food and a warm welcome for 'the strangers in town'.

It was a quiet Tuesday evening when we rolled up on the car park. I was joined on this occasion by ma 'n' pa, sorry, I mean mother and father.

They had been before and knew how to find it. Just as well. We arrived and made our way to the entrance, passing a smart patio area and a sundeck that overlook the canal.

Previously thought to have been a farm workers cottage, it is thought the building was extended to become part of the canal system as the Shropshire Union Canal was constructed. Its use then was as a horse changing post for the Flyboat – a rapid transport of its era.

The present owners have been at The Boat Inn for more than six years and have retained a nostalgic feeling in its cosy four walls. Jugs hang from the beamed ceilings, while photos, stained glass, open fires and artwork nod to the past.

Father and me enjoyed a pint each of real ale, of which there is a good selection. Mother had half a lager and we asked if a table was available.

A pleasant young lady gave us a couple of options and we made our way to the table of choice. From our window-side table we could see the canal and its boats passing through. Idyllic.

There is a good selection of food, all pretty traditional stuff, and the pub is renowned for its homemade pies. Well, it would be rude not to wouldn't it? I had a good slice of chicken and chorizo pie (£9.95), served with chips and a variety of vegetables. Father opted for a steak and stilton variety (£9.95), adding a baked potato and salad. Both came with a jug of gravy. Needless to say pa did not pour it onto his salad.

Mother opted to go for something different, trying the gammon instead. This came with chips, pineapple and fried egg (£9.95).

The pies were both great, crumbly pastry and rich filling with a beautiful gravy too.

We were all rather taken with the crispy chips, fluffy on the inside. Great chips. Really great chips.

The old-style pub has no juke box, fruit machine, pool table or satellite TV. What it does have is friendly customers, chatting away, playing a game of dominoes at the fireside. It's almost poetic.

When it came to pudding, mother opted for the sherry trifle (£4.95). A good portion served in a tallish dessert glass.

I shared a large cheeseboard for two (£7.95) with father. There was plenty of creamy cheese to choose from, including blue, brie, cheddar and a Wensleydale, all accompanied by a basket of biscuits, salad, chutney, celery and grapes. Spot on.

Service was okay, if a little slow at times, but the young lady was pleasant. The bill came in at just over £50, which for what we had was reasonable.

I would certainly recommend you pop in sometime, if only for a drink as you watch the boats pass through. But if you are looking for tasty food in traditional settings, it is a good choice.

By Paul Naylor