The Crabmill, Oldswinford

Great food, great atmosphere, great value -

finds a pub that has it all.

Hearty good food, a freshly pulled pint and the jovial atmosphere of an evening with family. This sums up quite succinctly my evening spent at The Crabmill pub, in Oldswinford.

However, I will endeavour to expand upon the evening at one of the nicest Black Country pubs that the region has to offer.

The Crabmill sits on a lofty perch, in Hagley Road, Oldswinford, and - according to the details on the back of the menu - was built in a Georgian style.

The original Crabmill pub was demolished in 1970 and had been a doctor's house before becoming a pub.

It finds itself among many pubs, takeaways and restaurants which stretch out of Stourbridge town centre along the Hagley Road past Oldswinford Cross. But the pub doesn't have to try too hard to compete for customers with some of the other public houses on the busy road.

Its simple white decor gives it a unassuming appearance, especially to those unfamiliar with the area.

But the closer you get, the more you realise what a gem of a pub this really is. There is ample parking both outside the pub itself and on a car park across the road - lucky really as it was getting more and more busy with every minute that passed.

The large seating area outside was warm and inviting with huge patio heaters keeping out the cold for some hardy drinkers.

Upon entering The Crabmill you are greeted with some contrasts. Although appearing large from the outside, the pub has a cosy welcoming feel.

Around the one side is a darker seating area, yet nearer the entrance there is a conservatory-style area with huge glass windows and large chandeliers lighting up the tables.

There were several treats in store as I cast my eyes across the menu. All of the main dishes, excluding a couple of the larger steaks, are under a tenner with all the starters good value at around £3-£4.

Deciding to skip starters and hit the main courses, I picked the patriotic-sounding 'Greatest British Gourmet Burger' for £8.45.

The huge double burger bap came with cheese, bacon, barbeque sauce, onion rings and salad garnish. It was a fantastic meal - good simple food, presented well.

My companions picked some old pub favourites - hunter's chicken (£8.45), traditional beef lasagne (£7.45) and a British beef and Ruddles Ale pie (£7.95). The hunter's chicken consisted of a quality roast chicken breast, chips, salad and cheese while the beef lasagne came in its own dish with a chunky piece of garlic ciabatta and a dressed salad. It was served piping hot and proved a real winter warmer with just the right amount of meat.

Lashings of creamy mashed potatoes, vegetables and a jug of gravy to pour at your own will was served with the meat and ale pie.

Feeling very full we nearly didn't have puddings but we were soon converted as we saw the Pub Pudding Board (£6.75).

Three desserts are served on a wooden board for sharing and included a vanilla and mascarpone cheesecake, Jamaican ginger pudding and a chocolate and walnut brownie with ice cream.

The Crabmill obviously takes pride in providing a top night out for its guests.

The meal came to around £40 with drinks. Great food, great atmosphere, great value - it gets a big thumbs up from me!

ADDRESS

The Crabmill: 199 Hagley Road, Oldswinford, Stourbridge, DY8 2JP

Telephone: 01384 376637

Opening Hours: Food served daily between 11am and 10pm