Happy First Birthday! On May 24, it was one year since The Travellers Rest at Affcot re-opened it doors after a complete refurbishment.
The Travellers Rest was re-launched as a carvery, now available Wednesday to Sunday, with a host of special foodie nights on offer.
On a warm May evening my husband Denzil and I paid a visit. Situated on the A49, so it’s easy to find, and there are stunning country views all around the pub.
There is a camping area and large grassed area with benches and tables to relax and enjoy a drink, and where children can play safely. There are a ramp and steps into the entrance.
Entering the lounge, there is a lovely feeling of spaciousness. The bar area and conservatory were given a completely new, modern look last year.
We were greeted pleasantly by the lady at the bar, served drinks, given menus and shown to our seats in the lovely, spacious conservatory. There were many people already dining.
To start Denzil chose loaded potato skins, I went for the bay BBQ ribs. The potato skins were tasty, having mushrooms, lightly smoked bacon and diced onion topped with melted cheese, and just a hint of chilli, and were presented on a bed of crisp salad with a bowl of cream cheese.
The meat on the BBQ ribs was succulent and very tasty, being marinated in a secret Chinese sauce, which was really delicious and more-ish. This was again all served with a crisp salad.
For our main courses Denzil ordered home-made steak and kidney pie, while I went for the North Atlantic cod.
The pie came in a separate dish, the pastry being light and flaky, the meat very tender – all complemented by a rich home-made secret sauce, along with chips and vegetables.
Mine had a lovely creamy texture; the batter was very crisp and light, with chips and salad.
We were asked if we would like the dessert menu by the pleasant young man who had waited on our table during the evening, appearing at intervals to inquire if everything was satisfactory, without being overpowering. We asked for a few minutes’ break.
After browsing the dessert board Denzil said he couldn’t eat another thing. I decided to go for the profiteroles and ice cream.
When they arrived, the waiter took one look at my face and said: Sorry, we don’t do small portions!”
There were eight profiteroles and a small dish of ice cream. Denzil did pinch one, but only one – I devoured the others and the ice cream, and enjoyed every mouthful.
The meals were nicely presented, and we paid our compliments to the chef.
The Travellers Rest, which we decided was well worth another visit, also offers accommodation, having 12 bedrooms from £45pp including full Shropshire breakfast.