IT would be hard to pick a nicer spot for a pub than the one occupied by the Anchor at Wyre Piddle, near Pershore. For a start, it’s in one of Worcestershire’s classic villages, a chocolate-box confection of thatched roofs, flower tubs and ivy-covered cottages.
The pub also backs on to a beautiful stretch of the river Avon. On a bright autumn day it makes for an idyllic scene, with the woodland opposite clad in coppery colours and a brood of ducks paddling peacefully in the shimmering waters.
The Anchor has made the most of its riverside setting, with a vast, multi-level decked area that tumbles down to the water’s edge – the perfect place to pass a pleasant few hours, whether you’re here for a pint or a platter.
However, it’s a bit chilly to dine outside today and the decked area is not really suitable for the toddlers that have accompanied us, so we retire inside.
A request for a high chair is met with a blank look. In an age when most pubs that serve food pride themselves on being family-friendly, this is a rare and irritating inconvenience.
We use a pushchair instead and settle down. Our starters arrive. My soup is full of flavour and piled high with chunky vegetables. Strangely, I’m provided with slices of crusty bread and a knife, but no butter.
My companion’s garlic bread is certainly garlicky – it has great big chunks of the stuff on it.
The vegetarian options are limited to a bowl of nachos, so my companion orders an omelette off-menu.
We wait. A couple who ordered after us have long finished their main courses by the time ours arrive.
The omelette and my lasagne are perfectly acceptable and the chips are nice and crispy. However, instead of the extra garlic bread side dish we ordered (after being told there is no bread for a simple cheese sandwich), we unaccountably get cheese-covered chips.
A children’s dish of sausages, mash, peas and gravy goes down a treat.
The Anchor has a fantastic setting but on this occasion it could have been more customer-friendly. That said, I’ll happily come back to enjoy that pretty river scene.
HOW IT RATED
The Anchor Inn,
Main Road,
Wyre Piddle.
Telephone: 01386 556059
Food ★★★✩✩
Value for money ★★✩✩✩
Ambience ★★✩✩✩
Service ★★✩✩✩
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