GOURMET - Royally good grub is fit for a Queen

The dark lair looked more like something found down Harry Potter’s Knockturn Alley than a pub I would like to go for a meal in.

But having spotted the Worksop pub’s bright new signage I decided to throw caution to the wind and popped along one Thursday lunchtime.

Much to my delight our group was greeted with a friendly welcome and the waitress even helped us rearrange the tables to seat our large group, something that is sometimes met with tutting and rolling of the eyes at many establishments.

The pub’s new interior is as bright as it is interesting.

One wall is covered in silhouetted heads of famous Queens and all over the other walls are pictures and art linked to things locally.

Striped booths as well as table seating also help create a cosy welcoming atmosphere.

So far so good.

Perusing the menu there were plenty of the usual pub favourites on offer from lasagne (£4.20) to beef and ale pie (£4.20) to Sunday lunch from a thrifty £5.99.

A number of sides were also available including wedges, onion rings and garlic bread.

It all looked tempting and the prices also seemed reasonable.

With puddings available from £2.20 I was also eyeing those up and wanted to leave plenty of room.

Having been lured by the picture on the menu I went for the ‘hunter’s baguette’ which came stuffed with chicken, cheese and barbecue sauce.

The baguette was so large I needed to cut it up, and it also came with a fresh side salad – all for a bargain £2.90. Any ideas about pudding soon went out of the window when I saw the size of the meal.

I couldn’t have been happier with my lunch which, coupled with a cola (£1.70), came to under £5.

It begs the question why would any office worker locally by lunch and eat it at their desk?

There was plenty of seating available and we were served in good time, something that is always a gamble when dining out on your lunch hour.

I wouldn’t hesitate to return to the Queen’s Head to try out more of the bargains on offer.

The rest of my party were also happy with their choices.

One of them was even unable to finish the £6.20 ‘Daddy Burger’ because it was too large.

Reasonable prices, a varied menu, pleasant surroundings and service with a smile earned The Queen’s Head a truly five star write up.

I’ll certainly be going back for more.

By Debbie Lockett

Star rating HHHHH