The Hilly House, Dudley
Victorian splendour and traditional food with a twist sets this cosy pub apart from the competition.
Victorian splendour and traditional food with a twist sets this cosy pub apart from the competition.
Bostin' boozers have become harder and harder to find around the streets of Dudley in recent years.
Competition from supermarkets, the economic downturn and the smoking ban have made the cosy local a thing of the past in many parts of town.
However, I felt blessed to have found a gem of a watering hole still going that extra mile to serve Black Country folk.
The Hilly House pub seems to lord it over the town from its lofty perch above the traffic in Himley Road and overlooking Grange Park.
Mixing the old and the new seems to be the motto for the former Victorian house which was converted almost 60 years ago.
Large trees and front beer garden give it an inviting feel, with a family already outside enjoying the afternoon sunshine.
And some traditions remain as players are busy making preparations for a game of bowls on the lawn green at the back of the large, white building.
This blends seamlessly with the more up-to-date beer garden full of tables and the now obligatory smoking area.
But with some creative planting and landscaping, the area would be the ideal place to catch the last of the sunny rays while tucking into food with the family or drinking with friends. This feel of the past and present continues as you enter The Hilly House.
Large armchairs and sofas surround a fireplace making a cosy spot for a winter's evening.
As you move through the pub it becomes slightly less homely as a main open-plan dining area stands before a long dark wood bar.
Sports fans are assured prime spots around the pub with small and unobtrusive screens showing the latest news updates and cricket action.
But you can tell it isn't just football and pints in The Hilly House. First off there's a pleasing range of beers for the real ale connoisseur available, including a popular Hobgoblin.
For a late lunch the pub was surprisingly busy, with families and a group of friends busy regaling stories with true Black Country gusto.
Finding an intimate alcove in the corner to look at the menu, I was pleasantly surprised at the range of meals on offer.
With starters and sandwiches starting at around £2 and jacket potatoes priced from £3.45, the value was hard to beat for a lunchtime snack.
From hearty grub like a £2 chip butty to the more exotic sounding Thai Prawn Wrap at £3.95, the tastebuds got a treat from the off.
Being a hungry fellow, I went straight for the main course with many of the dishes available as smaller portions if preferred.
I decided on the Thai Prawns and Sweet Chilli Salad priced at £5.65. It proved a cracker with crispy tempura king prawns on a bed of lettuce leaves, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion salsa and chilli sauce.
One of my companions had a Chicken Pasta Arrabbiata (£5.95) which was served with chicken strips and chargrilled vegetables in a lightly spiced tomato sauce.
And the other selected BBQ Chicken and Bacon Melt (£3.85) from the light bites menu served with a jacket potato and salad garnish.
All were cooked well, presented nicely and served promptly which was great for a busy lunchtime.
So pleased were we with the mains that we eagerly scoured the dessert menu for an extra treat.
A melt in the mouth chocolate fudge cake (£2.55), a creamy chocolate sundae (£2.65) and an indulgent Lemon and Raspberry Melt (£2.80) topped off the meal a treat.
Overall, brilliant food at the right price with a modern take on the traditions that have made pubs the pride of the region.
The Hilly House proves there is still hope for the Black Country pub.
ADDRESS
The Hilly House, 142 Himley Road, Dudley DY1 2QH
Telephone: 01384 253 717
