The Vine, Wombourne
Helen Brown enjoys a mid-week meal at the very busy and inviting historic Vine in Wombourne.
What sort of place is the Vine?
With a history dating back to the early 18th century most people would be forgiven for wondering if The Vine in Wombourne may be a little dated. But with a menu featuring a host of modern classics, looks prove that they can be very deceiving. However, one impression that can be relied upon is when a restaurant is full of happy diners, and the fact there was barely a seat to be had on the Tuesday night of our visit was a very reassuring sight.
What's the clientele like?
It seems to attract a real mix of people, those there for a drink, families enjoying a meal out, friends having a catch-up and couples enjoying a night out together. And if it can get such a broad range of people through the door then it must be doing something right.
What did you have for starters?
After much deliberation – did we want separate starters or to share the Mediterranean-inspired mezze platter (£10.95) of olives, cheese and rocket parcels, falafel, sweet potato wedges, grilled flatbread and minted cucumber and chickpea dips – I opted to begin with the roasted flat mushrooms. Stuffed with whipped goat's cheese and wild mushrooms, topped with mixed seed crumb and served on walnut toast, it made for a very pleasing combination with deep earthy flavours and good value at £4.95.
Meanwhile, my dining companion enjoyed his super smooth oak smoked chicken liver pâté (£4.75) which came served with a tangy onion marmalade and some more walnut toast. The only complaint we had was that my vegetarian starter came served with the optional crispy bacon plonked on top, and by the time the (very apologetic) waitress brought along my replacement, my companion's pâté was long gone. Other options include chicken in an cheese crumb (£4.45), a tomato and mozarella salad (£4.95), calamari (£5.45) and scallop and prawn risotto, which can also be a main (£6.45 or £11.95).
What about your main course?
They were equally tasty, a generous serving of cod and chips (£10.95), with two cod loins fried in beer batter – the ale used changes regularly – and served, as it should be, with chips and mushy peas, and a delicious seasonal salad (£8.95). The only disappointment was that the salad looked as if it had been thrown onto the plate – the presentation didn't really do it justice.
Other choices from the extensive selection of mains range from regular pub fair such as Hunter's chicken, fishcakes and various steaks to more interesting alternatives such as aromatic braised pork belly served on bubble and squeak potato cake with black pudding (£11.99), wild boar and chorizo burger (£10.95) and spinach and ricotta strudel (£8.25).
The Vine also offers an extensive selection of hearty roasts on a Sunday, while for those with even bigger appetites it has a tasty sounding range of pies designed by Saturday Kitchen presenter James Martin, including slow-cooked beef in merlot red wine gravy (£9.95), chicken, pulled ham and leek pie (£7.99) and a mouthwatering lamb shank Shepherd's Pie in a red wine gravy (£12.99).
And for dessert?
When it comes to dessert the pub has come up with a clever way of enticing people who think they are too full to fit anything else in to go for that extra mouthful – coffee with mini puddings. As the name suggests, these are smaller servings of one of four types of dessert – chocolate pot, apple and cherry crumble, Eton Mess and churros, or spanish donuts – with a hot drink.
We chose the last two, and while the portion size was slightly larger than we were expecting they were a pleasant way to end a three-course meal.
Was it good value?
Coming in at £57 for three courses each with a couple of drinks The Vine makes for a good night out for anyone looking for a relaxed atmosphere where they can try out some decent pub grub and ales.
ADDRESS
The Vine, High Street, Wombourne, near Wolverhampton, WV5 9DT
Tel: 01902 894829
