We've always found this a comfortable, friendly, no-frills – in a good way – pub and it was pleasing to find it was no different in the evening.

Luckily we had booked a table as the pub was full: we were by the window so before it was dark we admired the view across the valley, appreciated by our two friends who had not been here before. Three of us decided not to have a starter but we watched Tom enjoy a plate of crispy whitebait.

From a wide menu plus a specials board Ann had chosen pancakes with Stilton and asparagus in a sauce and topped with cheese. It looked very good and she enjoyed every mouthful.

Ian’s plate of calves’ liver and mustard mash served with vegetables couldn’t have been praised higher. It was, as the menu said, pan-seared pink, and arrived just so, not over or undercooked and he was very pleased with it.

Two sizzling plates of stir fry arrived, chicken for Tom and beef for me. We were offered a choice of sauces and oils, and though I wondered after ordering if I would taste the garlic oil through sweet and sour sauce, the garlic-y taste was definitely there so I take back my uncharitable thoughts.

Served with rice the beef was packed out with a lot of crunchy vegetables, as was the chicken dish. Delicious.

Those of us not having a starter could enjoy pudding: between us we had a panna cotta, an ice cream served with a liqueur and two chocolate puddings. All were given the thumbs up though I thought my chocolate pudding was slightly on the dry side.

With a wide choice of meals, including lots of veggie options, at sensible prices of around £10-£12 with only steaks costing more, it was not surprising the place was full. Our bill for four excluding drinks came to just over £73.