CLASSY CUISINE IN AN INTIMATE SETTING

"Fine food and sophisticated surrounds combine to create a truly memorable eating experience at the picturesque Thornescroft Restaurant near Wolverhampton.

Upmarket but with a down-to-earth welcome, the beautiful 17th century building, nestling in the countryside off Bridgnorth road at Shipley, is ideal for a special occasion and a joy to discover.

While the classy cuisine is a huge part of the appeal, other atmospheric touches such as intimate seating areas, warming log fires and a pianist all add to the overall attraction.

The menu, perused beforehand in the comfort of the lounge, is varied and designed with attention to detail with a wide choice of starters, main courses and desserts plus three vegetarian options.

Appetisers, from the more adventurous to traditional, cost £3.95 to £6.95, while main courses will set you back for example £12.95 for the farmhouse grill, £16.95 for a fillet steak and up to £19.95 for lemon sole grilled in aromatic butter.

Refreshingly though, while it is a la carte, the portions are generous and, with attentive waiting staff offering silver service, diners can fill their plates with a selection of potatoes and vegetables.

During a recent visit I was tempted by the country chicken and watercress soup which, at £3.95, proved good value for money as well as delicious, while my companion was delighted with the £4.95 smoked haddock topped with tasty Welsh rarebit.

For our main courses, I enjoyed the £12.45 chicken a la provence, which came in a light burgundy sauce with fresh herbs and garlic and garnished with caramelised shallots.

My friend's chicken and sage roulade as well looked almost too good to eat. The dish, priced £14.25, was served with Parma ham and buttered spinach and both were bursting with flavour.

While two courses are more than satisfying, we were tempted by some of the wicked desserts which are priced around £4.95.

We enjoyed sharing a Taj Mahal, a sweet blend of meringue, bannana, whipped cream and ice cream, drizzled with butterscotch sauce which was heavenly and, with still water and a drink each, took our bill to £49.85.

All in all the food was fabulous, the service first class, and in fact the next thing on our lips as we left happily stuffed by the end of the evening was when we would pay the Thornescroft a return visit."

Stella Stokes

Express & Star

Thank you for not smoking in the Restaurant
and for switching off your mobile phone