MOST of us, and especially those of us who regularly eat out with children, will, at some time, have found themselves at a Brewers' Fayre.
The local example of this is The Anchor Inn at Gargrave and, next to the canal with a large garden and playground at the back, it is a pretty good example of its type.
Now, our last visit there was prior to its refurbishment, and the dcor was tired, and not a little shabby, following flooding last year. I was pleased then to note that the pub was given a much needed facelift earlier in the summer and decided we needed to check it out.
The new dcor is warm and modern, without being too stark, and with separate seating areas, those without younger children do not need to be disturbed.
They have also clearly done some customer service training, with the friendly staff only too happy to rush around getting whatever you ask for and this did not slip even when yours-truly, gesticulating a little too wildly managed to smash a wineglass!
The menu has changed a little, while still including old favourites like gammon and scampi. There was a good selection of steaks and lighter meals, including six veggie dishes. Prices for a main course were all typically around the £6 to £8 mark.
We opted to share a combo feast for starters, which included scampi, garlic mushrooms and potato wedges, as well as some unexpectedly nice lemon and ginger chicken skewers.
For the main course, my husband ordered an Aberdeen Angus lasagne, which came with chips and salad, and I ordered pork in a calvados sauce with potato wedges, both of which were perfectly pleasant, if a little ordinary.
The children's menu is split in two, with an under fives menu offering two courses for £3.50 and an over fives for £4.50, including a free activity pack (although, sadly this was not offered, so I can't tell you what was in it!).
Ours went for fish and chips, and a cheeseburger, and declared the latter better than the former, but they might have just been full from all the chicken skewers!
Their desserts were really very good, including all the classics, as well as seasonal specials of strawberries and cream, and summer pudding.
My husband and I ordered a trio of classic desserts, which consisted of a small slice of chocolate torte, vanilla cheesecake, and chocolate fudge cake, served with ice cream, great for those who can't decide, or, like me, want a bit of everything!
The children's desserts were fun. Our eldest had doughnuts with dipping sauces, and the younger one had a lovely fruit salad, consisting of orange and green melon, kiwi fruit and mango (and half his brother's doughnuts!). The total cost of our meal, including drinks, came to a reasonable £52.28.
With an extensive wine list, and fun, summery drinks now being offered, it seems The Anchor may just have come of age. If you haven't been for a while, you could be pleasantly surprised.
Reviewed by: Candy Squire-Watt
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