The Grazing Cow, Telford

The Grazing Cow has been open a year or so now so the standards have settled enough for a review. The place is typical mainstream Beefeater type pub with a varied menu and big portions. The pub is split into three areas, a smaller drinks / bar area to the left, the main tables ahead and right and a kiddy creche area at the rear.

Staff are excellent - friendly and attentive. The food is good too - many standard menu items (chicken, chips, steak etc) plus healthier options and specials. Not cheap but you get what you pay for generally.

The beer range is good, Peroni on draft but at £ 4+ a pint it takes the edge off a visit. Wine and soft drinks are equally expensive. So make sure the kids "cola up" before you go !

Not a place for a quick pint really, more an eatery, but very popular as there is little to compete with.

24 May 2014 12:43

The Hare and Hounds, Oakengates

We called in here in 2013 and had a warm welcome from the landlady / owner. The pub is nicely decorated with old pictures of Oakengates and has a nice double real fire. The garden area at the back is large and there is plenty of parking etc.

By 2014 the place had lost some of its magic. The bar staff are not quite so friendly and it is often quite dark (as the lights are not switched on until the restaurant side is open). The food is standard fare and not particularly impressive. The music is often too loud and is mostly chart based.

24 May 2014 12:37

Fighting Cocks, Oakengates

This is one of the best pubs in Telford. The staff are friendly, the beer excellent, there is lots of room in the main areas and the side rooms, lots to look at. The continental lagers are superb, served flawlessly in matching glassware. The bar snacks are extensive and not overpriced. If, like me, you are 45+, you will love the music that they pipe through. It's not too loud but gives a warm feel to the place.

The pub also has a cinema upstairs which is free to use (I believe), they will even lend you plates for bringing your own food. Would be a great private film night our / curry / ale evening for a few friends.

Never see anyone in there under 25, mostly older locals and visitors who appreciate the old style format and lack of modern influences. It's always got a few people in but never overly busy.

If you are every going past, call in.

24 May 2014 12:26

The Compasses Inn, Ketley

The Compasses, or Jenkos, is known mainly for the Mongolian food experience where you mix your own meal and they cook it for you on a huge hotplate. The food is served in a wooden annex which is annexed to the main pub. The food side is always busy on weekends and is a great night out, albeit a touch expensive.

The main pub area is small but well decorated (the recent update isn't to everyone's taste but I like it). Stowford Press is consistently good, Stella is sometimes flat but the staff are always happy to exchange and help. There are a limited number of real ales. Happy hour 5 till 6 when there is 50p off a pint, which is a help as the prices are quite expensive, especially soft drinks and mixers.

There are only three tables in the pub, two of which are sofa level. The main table is large with six chairs, so you will no doubt sit next to one or two of the locals who are always friendly. There are three picnic benches outside which look onto the car park, so don't go here for the scenery.

Overall, a pretty neutral place, no bad points but nothing to really go there for either, except for the Mongolian food.

24 May 2014 12:19

The Crown, Oakengates

I often pop in here for a pint. The staff are always friendly and there is a nice welcome from locals and visitors alike. A great range of ales, especially at beer festival times, but I usually go for the Stowford Press which is excellent. Budvar is consistent too. Big range of bar snacks plus cheese and pork pies. The local paper plus The Times are delivered daily and there are plenty of intelligent people in the pub to help you fill in the Crossword. Large free range eggs on sale £ 1.08 for 6. Only criticism is that there are too few tables, but overall very much worth a visit.

24 May 2014 12:09