The Bridgehouse, Penkridge

Appearances can be deceiving as our reviewer,

, found out on a trip to Penkridge.

From the outside, The Bridgehouse is deceptive and has the appearance of a traditional pub – when the outstanding food on offer is anything but traditional.

The pub and restaurant is based in an enviable position alongside the River Penk in the village of Penkridge, Staffordshire.

It's spacious and recently refurbished restaurant is a perfect setting to embark on a culinary journey and the venues owners have thoughtfully avoided the trap of squeezing too many tables and seats together.

The result is a wonderful atmosphere and modern setting which instantly puts the diner at ease.

Choosing from the restaurant's a la carte menu, I really felt spoilt for choice.

You can stick with the usual pub grub or if you fancy stretching the tastebuds, there are plenty of mouth-watering alternatives to try.

A few examples include soup of the day, served with bloomer bread and croutons (£3.50) or pan seared scallops on a bed of wilted spinach with lemon and butter sauce (£6.75).

Main meal options feature homemade steak and ale pie (£8.95) or there is the red snapper topped with chilli flakes with a rocket salad and dill dressing (£12.95). But the true pleasure of eating at the Bridgehouse is not in the menu choice – which is itself impressive – but in the actual quality of the food served up.

First up as starters we ordered the mushrooms sauteed in garlic butter served on toasted ciabatta (£3.95) and the salmon and prawn fishcake with a dressed salad and sweet chilli sauce (£5.25). The portions were generous and both starters were extremely tasty. Both dishes were presented with flair and were hard to fault, serving as an excellent introduction to the main meal.

For that I chose the sirloin steak with onion rings, mushrooms, tomatoes still on the vine and homemade chips (£14.95).

The dish when it arrived was fantastic to take in and was a thing of beauty which seemed a shame to disturb.

The entire serving was a credit to the chef's creative talent. It tasted fantastic and the meat was perfectly cooked – as requested – medium. My partner chose the red snapper with rocket salad and chilli flakes.

Again the dish was extremely well presented and the fish was perfectly prepared.

A highlight of both dishes was the homemade chips served in a separate bowl – just what we were looking for in a filling meal.

But the pleasure of the Bridgehouse continued with dessert.

The choices were varied and mouthwatering but ultimately we plumped for the homemade raspberry cheescake served with chantilly cream (£3.95) and banana and Baileys creme brulee served with banana toffee ice cream.

The creme brulee was truly amazing – it is the only word you can use. Each mouthful was a delight. The dish was excellent both in portion and presentation.The homemade cheescake was magnificent and again a testament to the chef's ability.

For those diners interested in more than just the a la carte offerings, The Bridgehouse also offers a cheaper two meals for £10 offer and a Sunday and midweek carvery.

Based on my visit to the restaraunt, I shall definitely be back to experience these offerings as well. Coupled with excellent table service and clean, pleasant surroundings The Bridgehouse was a great experience and one I am keen to repeat.

ADDRESS

The Bridgehouse: Stone Cross, Penkridge ST19 5AS

Telephone: 01785 714426