JUST off a busy narrow road in Bradford on Avon is a traditional small looking pub.

We went to the Dandy Lion on a Friday lunchtime, so we were expecting it to be very quiet. What we failed to consider was that it was still the end of the Christmas holidays for school kids, so the lunch service was busy with people who were making the most of eating out.

When we went in it was very relaxed and warm with welcoming staff. We ordered drinks at the bar. I had an orange flavoured gin (£5.50) and my guest had a pint of Thatchers (£4.20) the staff member asked if we wanted to put drinks on a tab so we said we would.

We found a table at the back of the pub which was comfortable with open brick walls and old pictures on the walls.

The menu had lots of options from burgers and roast dinner to pie and mash.

When we were ready to order we weren’t sure if we had to go up to the bar and order or if the server would come over as there were no table numbers. We waited for a while to see if anyone was going to come but I decided to go up to the bar.

We decided to share the garlic bread with cheese (£4.80) which we decided to have alongside our mains. It was really delicious with loads of cheese on and a big bowl full of garlic bread easily enough to share for two. My guest thought they were great and thought they were great value for money too.

For our mains, I had roast dinner – turkey with roast potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and Yorkshire pudding. I only went for the regular plate (£9.50), but they do a large option for only £11.95.

The roast potatoes were tasty and crispy and were the best bit on the plate.

The Yorkshire pudding was a bit disappointing as it was slightly overcooked.

But I’m not a huge fan of them so I didn’t mind.

The turkey was great, so I enjoyed the main especially as it was a favourite of mine.

My guest had hunter’s chicken with chips and salad (£13.90).

The chicken was covered in BBQ sauce and had lots of bacon.

My guest said it was amazing and they really enjoyed it.

The service could have been better, but the staff had lots of tables to tend to and they were still really accommodating.

The lunchtime service was very busy as they had an unexpected rush of people with only two members of staff on the bar and bringing food.

We both wanted to have desert, so I had the chocolate and orange torte with vanilla ice cream (£6.25).

It was so smooth and orangey with caramel sauce and a persimmon fruit which was a nice touch.

My guest couldn’t resist the homemade cheesecake with vanilla ice cream (£6.25) they said it was delicious and a top cheesecake.

We both had another drink with our pudding. I got a half pint of Pepsi (£2.20) and my guest got a half pint of lemonade (£2.20).

Our bill came to £54.40 which I thought was great value for a starter, two mains, two puddings and four drinks. It was classic well-cooked food which hit the spot.

Erin Wright