Having sat empty for a while, the British Queen in Locksbottom has only recently reopened.
The pub – in the shadow of the swanky Chapter One restaurant – has been given a complete makeover that is sure to appeal to the well-to-do crowd.
And so it seemed as I popped in for lunch.
It’s light inside and the muted green colour scheme teamed with lots of exposed wood is quite soothing.
It all went hand-in-hand with the jaunty soft pop played at a reasonably low volume and the sound of polite chatter.
As I looked around, the lunchtime crowd certainly was mainly suited.
While it’s all very nicely done to a high standard, the strawberry sign and the little cricket bat with a number on that I was given when I ordered my food gave a relaxed impression – a bit like when Call-Me-Dave takes his tie off or holds a press conference in the garden.
The staff were very smart, dressed in a beige apron and white shirt, and efficient.
Too efficient if truth be told. I only asked how much the Meantime cost and she was pouring before I could stop her.
I’ve had a few sausage and onion baguettes in my time and didn’t think one would ever have much of a bearing on my day unless I happened to choke on it.
But the one I barbarically munched through at the British Queen certainly lifted my spirits a great deal. Without wanted to get too carried away, the baguette was just right, the sausage was properly meaty with a liberal dose of herb and the onion marmalade was the crowning glory – sweet and soft with a little tang.
Next to it, the thin fries were salty and moreish.
Cutlery and/or a napkin would have been nice but I may have just stuffed it into my face with such a disregard for decorum anyway.
Given the plum surroundings, and the £4.60 for my pint of Meantime Pale Ale, the food game in at a respectable £5.95 too.
The British Queen, Crofton Road, Locksbottom
How it rated:
Decor***** Very nice
Atmosphere**** Polite
Staff*** Decent
Food***** Very, very good
Drink**** Impressive range
Price** Good for food but beer’s a bit steep
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