In France it is absolutely normal to come across small country inns serving excellent food with the whole of the owner's family working in the establishment. Not so in England, where far more properties are managed by large companies or owned by the breweries; possibly that is why we sometimes tend to lack a certain excellence and individuality in the British countryside in matters gastronomic.

However, along have come the Phillips family to prove the usual theories wrong. Some eighteen years ago they took over a semi-derelict property at Norton, near Shifnal - so rundown that the cellar was flooded to a depth of two feet - and turned it into a distinctive attraction, stamping their own unique style upon it. This includes a supposition that nothing stays still for very long and a cheerful air of restlessness and desire to do even better abound.

The Hundred House is a place of great charm and warmth run by the whole Phillips family, with father Henry in charge, son David running the front of house, and his brother, Stuart in the kitchen. Two menus run through the week, a brassiere menu for lighter meals and an extensive A La Carte menu. Popular 'fish frenzy' nights run on the last Friday of every month and Sunday lunchtime boasts an 'Observer' acclaimed menu at great value for money. Reservations are recommended to avoid disappointment.