Punchbowl Lapworth, The

Set in the picturesque surroundings of the wonderful Warwickshire countryside, just minutes from the NEC, Solihull and Warwick, The Punchbowl at Lapworth is the perfect place to pop in for that impromptu lunch with friends or colleagues or enjoy a candlelit dinner with nearest and dearest.

With a modern slant on an otherwise traditional English country pub that encompasses a real log fire, oak beams, candelabras, leather sofas and cutting edge modern art, The Punchbowl could be said to have it all. The food is essentially gastropub in style with attentive presentation and cheerful service.

From amongst the starters seared lamb kidney and black pudding salad, or dressed Cornish crab rolled in sushi nori compete with a red onion and goat's cheese tart or a classic cheeseburger with coleslaw and chips. A smoked haddock fishcake with creamed leeks and tartare sauce treads the narrow line between a heavy starter and light main course.

However, the Scottish sirloin of beef, hung for the prescribed 28 days, is likely to prove a greater attraction for many. Back to Cornwall for a rack of lamb, served with dauphinois potatoes, or Barbary breast of duck with braised red cabbage and red wine jus.

For those in perfect harmony The Punchbowl thoughtfully provides dishes for two, which produces Chateaubriand in everything but name, and a choice between chicken, beef or duck. Each comes with gratin dauphinois, vegetables at one with the season, roasted tomatoes and chips.

Puddings start off with the splendidly named Eton Mess, progress through a traditional apple tart and ice cream, and a splendid plate of selected farmhouse cheese.

The wine list competes with a broad range of beers, lagers and other bottled pleasures. Cloudy Bay at a shade under £30 is good value and there are other interesting numbers tucked away in a short but perfectly adequate list.

The Punchbowl is the sort of place that makes little or no demands upon its guests but offers great value in really attractive surroundings; however, you can find out much more about it on its Website.