Having walked round Ladybower Reservoir it was very much the time for a pie and a pint. It was very busy here, which is understandable as it was a Sunday. We managed to jam ourselves onto a table in a room otherwise overrun by drunk adults and screaming children (not the fault of the staff).
I had a cheese and onion pie with mushy peas, swerving the chips as I was anticipating a big tea (which actually never happened as the pie on its own was incredibly filling) and a pint of a local beer that I believe was called Moonshiner.
The pie was huge and while it quelled a cheese and onion pie hankering I've had since before Xmas, it wasn't excellent. For me it was not cheesy enough, and I also don't love pies that have pastry on all sides. I realise this is weird as everyone else seems to have very strong opinions to the contrary, but I believe that a cheese and onion pie is best as a slice cut out of a larger pie, and a meat pie is often best as a filling with a pastry lid. Yes I know you're all disgusted with me.
I digress. The pie was very tasty and filled a hole, and the expansive side of mushy peas was delicious once I'd mixed in some mint sauce.
Paying was quite difficult as we each wanted to pay separately. I think if that's going to cause a problem you should let people order and pay at the bar. I also thought that at £33 for two pie and peas, one chips, one pint and one coke it was not particularly cheap.
I'll say I wouldn't head back here as a destination but it's a solid option after a walk in the area. read more