THE Rose & Crown, beside the A38 in the delightful village of Severn Stoke, near Upton-upon-Severn, is a pub that you can walk into and feel immediately at ease.

With low beams, a convivial atmosphere, a well-kept cellar and a children's playground, it appeals to people across the age spectrum.

Its restaurant is also worth a visit. I dropped anchor there one evening primarily looking for an eaterie where I would be happy to take some visitors later in the year.

The beamed décor of the old main pub has been extended into the more recent dining area, giving it a relaxed atmosphere, enhanced by the attentive and friendly waiting staff.

The restaurant boasts a full and attractive menu, complemented by a daily specials board. There is also a separate vegetarian board which, on the evening of my visit, offered vegetable versions of shepherd's pie, lasagne and curry, and a Tuscan tart.

Wines vary from Echo Falls Chardonnay and Merlot at £10.95 a bottle to a £28.95 Chateauneuf du Pape AC, Les Espices, Mommessin. The interesting list covers French, German and New World vintages, plus wine by the glass.

From the starters menu I chose an old favourite, deep-fried breaded mushrooms with a garlic sauce dip and salad (£3.95). My companion opted for portions of deep-fried Brie, Camembert and goats' cheese served on a bed of cranberry and port sauce with garnish, priced (£5.45). Both proved an ideal start to the meal.

The mains menu ranged in price from lasagne at £8.45 to a fillet steak dish at just under £16. I went for slightly tough pork medallions on a bed of mashed potato with a delicious wholegrain mustard sauce (£11.95).

My companion took baked salmon with asparagus and prawns in herb butter at £1 more. She pronounced the dish a success.

Both came with a dish of fresh vegetables - broccoli, cauliflower, peas, carrots and potatoes - all cooked to perfection.

Our sweets - delicious rum-and-raisin ice cream for me and blackberry cheesecake with cream for my companion, were both priced at £3.50. Add on a £3.50 glass of the house wine and a bottle of still mineral water and the bill for what proved to be a satisfying evening came to a value-for-money £49.25.

The Rose & Crown at Severn Stoke could well be on the list of venues to be considered when my visitors turn up later this year.

SERVICE: **** FOOD: *** VALUE: **** AMBIENCE: ****