Horns Of Boningale, Boningale
With a history dating back more than 300 years it is perhaps no surprise to learn that The Horns of Boningale started out serving nothing but ham and eggs to the cattlemen of Shropshire, writes Helen Cartwright.
With a history dating back more than 300 years it is perhaps no surprise to learn that The Horns of Boningale started out serving nothing but ham and eggs to the cattlemen of Shropshire.
Thankfully these days there is a little more on offer to tempt diners through the doors of what remains a comfortingly traditional country pub.
Located out on the A464 between Wolverhampton and Albrighton the former drovers inn needs to be a little special to make it worth the journey, but for those looking for something a bit different to the standard pub fayre are in for a treat.
The décor may be a little rustic, with wooden panelling and chairs that definitely weren't made for lounging around in, but that is all part of its historical charm.
And like many historic inns, it even lays claim to its own "friendly ghost", who legend has it switches the lights off in the middle of the night.
While we could find no signs of any spooky goings we certainly found plenty to interest us in the Horns' impressive looking menu.
There are plenty of options to choose from, including an extensive list of mains, a set menu offering good value at between £7.95 and £13.95 for up to three courses, a Sunday offering and a range of specials.
And with the long nights drawing in, there are a number of winter warmers on offer, including slow cooked crispy belly pork served on English mustard mash with grey peas and bacon (£10.50) or grilled fillet of haddock glazed with Welsh rarebit on creamed leek and baby potatoes (£10.95), giving a flavour of the above-average dishes served up at the Horns.
But attention should first turn to the starters where this inventiveness is also present in offerings including pan fried devil kidneys on ciabatta (£5.25), chicken liver and thyme pate with brandied prunes (£4.95) and a warm Thai noodle salad with crayfish tails (£5.95).
On a cold night, we delighted in a warming bowl of button mushrooms which had also been given a tasty twist, served in a garlic-infused cream and topped with a herb and cheddar gratin which gave the dish an extra dimension (£4.95).
We also spiced things up with a plate of mozzarella and mature cheddar bhajis served with homemade sweet tomato chutney (£4.50).
It may sound a little heavy for a starter but it was in fact a light and delicate dish which went down a treat.
When it came to mains one dish in particular was too good to pass up – Shropshire rump of lamb with sweet potato fondant, honey glazed vegetables and a port and thyme jus (£14.95). Served pink, it tasted as good as it looked.
As a bit of a contrast we also plumped for risotto of wild mushroom and leek topped with parmesan cheese (£9.50) which, although a little safe for a vegetarian option, also proved tasty.
Other main course options include a range of steaks, from fillet and sirloins to a challenging sounding 22oz T-bone (£22.95), homemade pies (£9.95), an oriental sizzle platter (£12.95) and a goat's cheese-topped courgette and baby vine tomato Provencal £9.95, giving the menu plenty of variety.
Coming in at £42.50 with a couple of drinks thrown in, The Horns is a good value choice for anyone on the look-out for a tasty meal in historic surroundings.
ADDRESS
Horns Of Boningale, Holyhead Road, Boningale, Albrighton WV7 3DA
Tel: 01902 372347
