We had an unexpected, unplanned experience on Sunday. We gave a lift to an elderly gentleman to his home in Eastwood from our church at the end of the service, who offered to buy us lunch by way of thanks. Having no other plans for lunch we accepted, especially as what was on offer was a traditional Sunday Roast.

It happened that the place our friend had in mind was a few yards down the road from where he lived – the Oakwood pub (see here). My curiosity was aroused as besides having never been inside that pub as I recall but it was where as a little boy my grand parents who lived close by regarded as their local.

We were ushered inside to an old fashioned, clearly adapted, quaint looking dining hall, by a friendly staff member, where there was a good number of what appeared happy diners with likely many who were regulars. We gathered it was a family run affair and we were served by the mother. We had no problem selecting from the limited menu choice on offer, so it was roast dinners all round.

We were served drinks followed by our mains without having to wait too long. It was a good quantity and the food was excellent. All of us, despite feeling full, decided on a tempting dessert – my wife and friend went for the sticky toffee pudding and I chose the fruit crumble. It was all delicious. I couldn’t resist studying the menu with future visits in mind and I was struck by the mega mixed grill and the more than full English breakfast that was on offer.

We enjoyed our experience eating at the Oakwood and while there were a few faults that stop me awarding them the full ten, when it comes to service, value and food I relate what was on offer from somewhere between good and excellent. I have the Oakwood down for future visits (although 10 am is a bit late for breakfast for me) and my friend was certainly impressed by what was his first visit.