Making ourselves comfortable we noticed several reserved tables so it goes to show that even at 5pm on a Monday night, the place is popular!

We shared the Threpland Farm bread and dips (£4.95) as a starter. Great huge chunks of fresh local bread with oil and vinegar and a very delicious garlicky hummus dip. I could have eaten 2 of these. Fresh bread and butter is my weakness!

Mr Tramp chose the Heifer Pie (£10.95) with chips and veg. The pie had a huge short crust pastry top and it was rammed, truly, to the top full of tender beef in the most delicious Hetton Ale gravy I have tasted. It was moreish. Would have made amazing chips and gravy! An exceptionally generous portion, the meat inside felt never ending.

I opted for the Fish and Chips (£10.95) which is unusual for me. The Haddock was from Fleetwood in Lancashire. The batter was light and not greasy and the fish was moist inside. The chunky homemade chips and mushy peas were served alongside a homemade tartare sauce which was lovely. Maybe a slice of bread on the side would have been nice but I didn’t miss it as we had a bread board to start. This was a huge portion but they do offer a smaller size.
 

Neither of us could manage a dessert as we were stuffed to the gills. In the hour or so we had been seated, the restaurant had really filled up with diners so we timed it well to get a good seat!
I was impressed with the details of the menu, noting where produce had originated, such as the bread from a local farm, local ale and the origin of the fresh fish.

The menu is very varied and does break the mold of tradtional pub grub so if you are in the area, give it a try!