The Goddards, as it is known by locals, has undergone a revamp, and its publicity material said food was a “big focus”, so we tried it out.

Among the changes is a new sleek black and gold sign, which doesn’t sound particularly interesting but actually looks rather impressive. The ivy on the exterior has been cut back a little, enabling you to see inside more.

It was busy and we were lucky to find an empty table. The revamp features different chairs at each table, and ours had an armchair which we would certainly have enjoyed sitting in if we were watching TV but it was too low to eat from. The table had not been wiped – not a good first impression.

Two widescreen TVs were showing football and snooker. The music was annoying, dreary and just a bit too loud.

I didn’t have a great start when I ordered drinks as all the cask ales were off due to a problem. When we left an hour later they were back on. The staff were friendly and service was good.

There is a good wine selection with bottles starting at £9.25 and the menu includes dishes to share for two people or more, including fish and nachos.

We thought the prices were good value – the pub does two meals for £10.45 Monday to Friday while desserts are two for one Monday to Friday.

For starters Keith had crispy calamari, with garlic mayonnaise, lemon and side salad (£4.75). The calamari was tasty but slightly overcooked. For mains I had 8oz sirloin steak with vine roasted tomatoes, portobello mushroom, watercress and chips (£12.25).

The steaks are matured for 35 days and mine was perfectly cooked medium. The tomatoes were deliciously sweet but the chips were a letdown. They looked and tasted as if they came from a supermarket freezer.

Keith had chicken milanese, filled with Parma ham and a herb cream, served with a tomato and garlic sauce, grated Grano Padano, roasted vine tomatoes, baby watercress and chips (£8.95). The breaded chicken had stayed too long in the frier but it was tasty.

For desserts I had a luxury Belgian chocolate brownie with ice cream. It didn’t have a crusty topping. It was more of a sponge and was okay. Keith enjoyed his five layered chocolate cake with ice cream. Our bill was £38.80.

I’m not sure what the Goddards is trying to be, fine dining or high volume turnover, but when we asked if we would go back, the answer was no.

* Food served 9am to 10pm daily 

* Children welcome up to 7pm

* Car park

* Disabled access