SOMERBY.

This is still the brewery and tap for Parish Brewery, despite the brewery moving back to Borough on the Hill, home of the strongest ale in the world (23%). There's much character to the pub situated on a corner of the high street. The car park round the back is next to the beer garden which is full of trees and picnic tables. Inside there are two bars but with a single look through bar which serves both. Entering from the front (where there is easier access for the disabled) the ‘lounge’ and eating area is on the left. Here you can choose from the substantial menu which has won it entries in the Egon Ronay guides between 1994-97. Food varies from jacket potatoes to steaks and there are always daily specials on including a good vegetarian selection. Prices are good too with all main courses coming in under £8 (all served with vegetables). Food is served 12-2pm and 7-9.30pm, Sundays 12-2pm and 7-9.30pm. On this occasion I had a stone in my food - ouch! However, they refunded the cost without being asked and my partners meal was fine. Menu is very limited on Sundays. The decor was olde village worlde, low ceilings, plenty of wooden beams and old village heritage photos on the walls. Seating was larger dark wood tables and chairs with some stools plus velvet padded benches. Carpet was dark red which is good as dogs are allowed inside - if they are good. Both bars are similarly furnished and there is no distinction between them. The bar itself is quite long (U-shaped) for a small pub providing plenty of leaning space. It can get smokey at night, plus a pool table in a separate room. The Three Crowns serves up to four ales two from Parish and one other plus Bass. The guest on at the time were Chainmaker St George's Bitter. Parish beers were Special Bitter and Baz's Bonce Blower. All were well kept and full of flavour, though ask for the sparkler to be removed as their flavour can be squashed otherwise. There is no longer accommodation here. Access for the disabled is possible. For conferences they have transformed one of the outbuildings in to a function room with self-contained bar and toilets.

This 16th century free house is just up the road from the Old Brewery Inn. When we visited on a Tuesday it was by far the busier, having a quiz night on and plenty of people eating food. The Stilton Cheese Inn is on the main road through the village (High Street) and has built up an excellent reputation for food and drink, offering a wide choice of traditional and unusual dishes, with three regular real ales and a guest beer. The beers were all served without sparkler and were tasty and not too cold. They also serve reasonably priced wines and a choice of 20 malt whiskies. There are two distinct areas in the pub, though only served by the one bar. The main seating area has a number of oblong tables and chairs on dark thick carpet. The walls have a dry stone wall appeal and the lighting is subdued. There is a fireplace on one wall end above which the changing menu on a large blackboard rests. Choice ranges from soup to melon for starters and scampi to steak for the main course. There is usually a vegetarian choice or two. For those with a lighter appetite there are sandwiches and children's meals. The restaurant seats 40 and can be booked for private functions or parties - they can also produce a menu to meet your needs. Food is served seven days a week 12-2pm and 6-9pm. The second area is up a small step to the left of the bar, on this occasion it was taken over for the pub quiz. Here you will find a lighter room with square tables and chairs, some padded benches too. Alternative accommodation: The Grange, New Road, Burton Lazars, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 2UU, Single fm £29, Double fm £44.50 per night or Glebe Farm, Nether End, Great Dalby, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 2EY. (01664) 561548. Single from £22-£25, Double from £38-£42. Dairy Farm, 8 Burrough End, Great Dalby, Melton Mowbray, Leics, LE14 2EW. 01664 562783. From £20 - 25.

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