AS WORCESTERSHIRE was being battled by the worst storm of the year so far, we took refuge in a village inn in the hope of enjoying a hearty meal and warm welcome.

The Cross Keys at Ombersley is a charming and rustic pub, which serves a wide variety of home-cooked dishes.

The pub, which dates back to the early 19th century, has been extended and modernised but retains its cosy, village inn atmosphere.

Having eventually made our choices from the pretty extensive menu – including large specials board chalked above the bar – we placed our orders at the bar.

To start I chose the smoked haddock, with celeriac remoulade with lemon and caper sauce, priced £5.95, and my husband opted for the pan-fried king prawn tails with chive and garlic butter, served with crusty bread, priced £6.95.

Both were a big hit.

My haddock was delicious, the acidity of the lemon and caper sauce cut through the smokiness of the fish and the creaminess of the remoulade perfectly.

The fish was very tasty and all the ingredients deliciously fresh. My only criticism was that there was far too much of it for my appetite.

My husband’s dish comprised a generous dish of prawn tails. He said they were succulent and tasty and described the butter sauce as very flavoursome.

For main, I opted for the salmon, spinach and spring onion fishcakes with rocket leaves and sour cream, priced £5.95 for one or £11.25 for two. The fishcake consisted of a good balance of fish and potato, and was moist but crispy on the outside. I liked the sour cream accompaniment, but the fishcake could have been tastier.

My husband chose the duck breast on sweet potato with Worcestershire plum, served with a selection of vegetables priced £15.95. Judging by the clean plate, this too was a hit. He said the duck was well cooked – tender and pink on the inside. The dish came with slices of plum and mashed sweet potato to soak up the generous helping of sauce.

For dessert we shared a vanilla creme brulee with home-made shortbread, priced £5.95. Just as it should be, this was rich and creamy with a crispy caramelised topping. It was served with fresh strawberry and blueberry – needed to complement the richness of the brulee and two large home-made sugared shortbread biscuits.

Throughout our short stay at the Cross Keys, the staff were particularly friendly and helpful and this, combined with the very high standards and generous portions of food, guarantees we’ll be returning one day.

HOW IT RATED

The Cross Keys,
Main Street,
Omberley, near Worcester.
Telephone: 01905 620588
Food ★★★★✩
Value for money ★★★★✩
Ambience ★★★✩✩
Service ★★★✩✩