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BOURNHEATH.

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The Gate (Dodford Road, Worcestershire) (01527) 878169. This pub is hard to find but is well worth it. Come off junction 4 and take the A491 towards Stourbridge. At the roundabout turn left onto the B4091 to Fairfield ignore the signs to Bournheath and go straight to the road over the motorway. Just before the bridge take a right to "Bournheath Village Hall". Go down the lane straight over the crossroads and it’s 600 yards on the right. That’s the directions out of the way now the pub. It is very busy but in a nice way as The Gate does lots of quality food to suit all tastes at quality prices. Steaks are only £7.95! there is plenty of choice for vegetarians - about 20 in all. You cant get them all in the bar, but the restaurant is a nice place to eat too. Service is quick and friendly despite the large amount of diners. Monday is Mexican night and there’s three courses for £9.95. There's no need to book as you can eat almost anywhere inside, there's even a no smoking area. The Gate used to do a regular guest beer but now only has guests at special times/events of the year. However, this is a free house and they have no brewery tie. The standard beers on the bar are Smiles Best and Heritage and they’re very tasty. We did get a few looks though when we asked for the sparkler off. The decor is a mixture as there's been an extension which is a modern tiled floor with conservatory windows and bamboo furniture. The main bar area (‘L’ shaped) is old fashioned but sparsely decorated with wooden tables and chairs. The space goes round the corner to the front of the pub where there are more tables and a real fireplace. Access is possible for the disabled to all areas, though there are two doors to negotiate in the toilets. The restaurant is a little more cramped but is always busy. If all this gets too much for you, there is the garden to sit in. No accommodation here. Open 11-2.30 & 6-10.30 (11pm Fri & Sat); 12-3, 7-10.30 Sun.

 

Additional Notes:  I have just this minute come back after having my best meal at a traditional english pub (best for food) of this year. In short, I am thankful for having the opportunity to say that. The Gate at Bournheath is worthy of a CAMRA award for it's Cask Ales and a Michelin star for its cuisine, and I shant be surprised to be told it has both already awarded. More so, the hospitality is second to none, although I tried to gain a copy of their sticky toffee pudding, but the manager was having none of it... And so he should!! That dessert alone will keep me and my family; coming back for more, not for more opportunities to attempt to obtain that recipe, but just to eat there again. From a Medium Steak to the succulent Chicken Sicilliano to the sticky toffee pudding (I wasn't gluttonous, heaven forbid. I like to share a sample with those who I am dining with in return for something else). From what I tasted everything was so moist and cooked to perfection and after the two-course meal and aperitifs I was led to believe that the kitchen's Bay Marie works overtime everyday. The pub/restaurant serves Food and Ale to die for but for those who are dietary religious, heaven forbids it. Especially the sticky toffee pudding. But my Brother had the Enchiladas and couldn't take the heat, when I tried some of his 3 Alarm spicy dish it reminded me of a Chicken Vindaloo or a dry Madras, which is ideal for those who fancy an alternative to Balti's (especially for those who want to escape from Birmingham and can take the heat!!!) I never knew Mexican food can be so spicy, if I do decide to go to the Mexican night there, with my friends I shall bring a fire extinguisher and put it on stand by, as I can't take the heat especially previously being a Chef... So hat's off to them: the Chefs, the Bar staff and the Manager. I am so glad that traditional food and ale has a candle burning in the window of 'The Gate' and it's so bright it lights up the whole of the West Midlands and I'm sure people flock to it from afar like we're moths to a light bulb. So here's an idea if your wanting to go out for a great meal go to The Gate at Bournheath. Please do not be disheartened because of the difficulty of getting to its destination, your taste buds; should now be implicitly draw to the candle I mentioned earlier. The directions I read on this website are very accurate, I took the same route earlier on this evening before finding a website to write a review, but they are very similar if not the same.

Also try:

The Nailers Arms, 62 Doctors Hill, Bournheath, Worcs. (01527) 873045. Guest ales, food, real fire.

© Copyright 1996-2005 Real Ale and a Bed.
 http://www.beerguide.co.uk
Last Updated 10 August, 2005

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