Given that Monday evenings are perhaps not a regular time to head out to seek a bite to eat, The Old Ham Tree certainly seemed very popular when we pitched up.

This listed village pub and former coaching house had a homely feel as soon as we walked through the door, with a handful of regulars stationed at the bar and a meeting of a local group taking place in the open-plan room adjacent.

Kicking off with a couple of drinks we were promptly shown to our table in the dining area on the other side of the bar, where a larger party and several couples were in the throes of their own meals.

The menu was plentiful and varied and supplemented by a handful of daily specials on the board behind the bar, leaving us spoiled for choice when it came to ordering.

Eventually, we plumped for a simple starter to share of warm ciabatta with olives and an olive oil and balsamic dip.

The bread was wonderfully tasty, especially so when dunked in the dip, while my slightly-worrying addiction to green olives wasn’t helped by the small accompanying bowl.

The main courses were much deliberated over.

Eventually Heidi took the plunge with one of the specials, a generous slice of steak and ale pie and – earning the admiration of the recipient – a pleasingly varied selection of vegetables sitting alongside a helping of chunky chips.

Perhaps being less than adventurous, I settled on attacking the home-made Mighty Ham Tree burger and the word mighty was more than appropriate.

The burger itself was large and deliciously seasoned, topped off with a generous amount of bacon, cheese and tomato in a toasted bun.

The accompanying chips, mixed leaf salad and salsa made it a challenge I only just passed.

With two drinks and a glass of wine, the bill came to a very acceptable £32 – and the Old Ham Tree joined our list of likely destinations for future eating out excursions.

* Open noon to 11pm every day.
* Food served Monday to Saturday noon to 3pm, 6pm to 9pm; Sunday noon to 3pm.
* Car parking and garden.
* Free wi-fi.
* Rooms to let.