Eat My Words: We review The Old Reindeer, Edingley

Thick slices of turkey, crisp roast potatoes, stuffing, veg and a tasty gravy — what more could you want?

While not exactly groundbreaking stuff, the proper pub Sunday roast served up at The Old Reindeer, Edingley, was exactly the kind of comforting classic I was looking for.

What better when it’s a sunny Sunday and the last thing you fancy doing is standing over a hot hob to cook your dinner after a day in the garden.

We’d booked in advance, so when we turned up our table was ready and waiting, with a friendly and attentive staff member to lead us there.

The pub was very quiet when we arrived — with just one other table inside occupied by diners — but it seemed more people were enjoying the outside seats with their drinks and it was admittedly rather early as our party included a four-year-old.

We ordered drinks first, and asked for the day’s selection of meats. On this occasion it was turkey, beef and gammon.

The drinks arrived in a timely manner, and I opted for a pint of my favourite, Inch’s. We also had a pint of lime and lemonade, a J2O and a Marston’s 61 Deep.

To eat, we ordered three regular roasts at £13 each, two beef and one turkey, and one children’s portion at £7, also turkey.

They also came in a large size, for £15, and after seeing the pile of food I was served I was glad I didn’t opt for anything bigger.

While turkey is a somewhat controversial meat choice — with many professing their dislike for it — I do enjoy it, and the generous helping of slices I was served were tender and moist.

My dinner companions’ choice of beef was a bit on the tougher side, as is somewhat typical of beef, but still went down a treat.

The roasts all came with a huge serving of mash, roast potatoes, carrots, cabbage and French beans, a ball of stuffing, a dousing of gravy and a huge Yorkshire pudding.

Unfortunately the Yorkshires were a little overdone, but not to any extent that would put me off eating it.

The gravy, I have to note, was delightful, as were the vegetables.

We also shared a £4 side of cauliflower cheese — although it was actually both broccoli and cauliflower — and this was plenty to share between four alongside the big plates of roast dinner, and was heavenly when dipped in the gravy.

There’s nothing wrong with changing things up, or putting a fancy twist on meals, but sometimes it can pay to stick with the tried and tested — as these roasts proved.

I was defeated before I could clear my plate, although both my adult companions managed to clear theirs up. The four year old was most definitely defeated, and given the portion wasn’t all that much smaller than the regular roasts it was a great price.

The dessert menu — which included a range of classic puddings — was very tempting, but I simply couldn’t fit any more food in.

While I don’t think I’d rush back as the roasts weren’t anything unique, if you’re looking for some new scenery for your Sunday lunch it’s certainly worth a visit.

Out of five:

Food: Portions were generous and tasty, although some parts were a little overcooked. There was a good variety of meat, starters, sides, desserts, and also a alternative Sunday main menu for those who don’t want a roast. ***

Drink: My companion rated the lime and lemonade highly as the bar wasn’t stingy on the lime, the alcoholic drinks and J2O were served in their relevant branded glasses and there was a good variety to pick from. ****

Decor: The Old Reindeer was clean and pleasant, but didn’t particularly stand out for it’s decoration. As it was a quiet time most of the tables outside of the small area diners were seated in were unused with chairs stacked up, which was a little unattractive. ***

Staff: Service was friendly and prompt, and staff checked back after we received our meals and when we were finished. *****

Price: With the total bill coming in at £67 for a party of four, including two alcoholic drinks, the pub was great value — especially considering the quantity of food served. *****