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The facts
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Food: |
***** |
Service: |
***** |
Value: |
***** |
Accessibility: |
**** |
Open: Lunch 12-2pm Monday to Friday. Dinner 6.30-9.30pm Monday to Friday, 6-10pm Saturday, 12-3pm Sunday.
Top class service and ye olde charm
October 2nd, 2004
 |
Ye Olde Toll House restaurant in Walsall Street, Willenhall, provides fine food at surprisingly good prices |
When I mentioned Willenhall's Ye Olde Toll House Restaurant as a place I wanted to dine the one word coming from everyone's lips was "expensive".
Ye Olde Toll House restaurant in Walsall Street, Willenhall, provides fine food at surprisingly good prices.
But having taken the plunge and sampled what the fine restaurant has to offer, I would say it's the perfect place to dine if celebrating a special occasion and wanting to spend that little bit more.
While prices jumping off the specials board and menu did sting slightly, it all seemed a lot less heart-stopping when I realised that the high price included a starter, main course, dessert, cheese and biscuits and coffee.
The offer we decided to plump for comprised of three courses, coffee and mints and half a bottle of wine to share between the two of us for the grand sum of £20.90 each.
The friendly waitress offered to swop the wine for another round of drinks as my dining partner was driving, which was a much appreciated touch.
We were left in the cosy bar area to flick through the extensive menu while nibbling on peanuts and olives left in baskets on the tables.
An array of fish dishes graced the menu as the restaurant prides itself on specialising in fresh fish daily alongside more traditional homemade delights.
While I decided to sample the fanned melon to start, Joel was drawn to the fish and vegetable mornay.
Both went down a treat and were not too filling.
We both chose the homemade shepherd's pie as our main course which came perfectly cooked and beat any "homemade" effort I've ever cooked up.
It had the perfect blend of fluffy potato and top quality mince and was accompanied by a small serving of new potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and broad beans.
The tasty meal was rounded off by a delicious treacle sponge pudding with custard for Joel and a generous slice of banoffee cream pie for me.
Neither of us could find fault with the meal, it was all beautifully cooked and very well presented.
The bill, including four soft drinks, came to £41.80.
Service at the restaurant was top class and the surroundings were extremely homely which meant there was no risk of that uncomfortable atmosphere that all too often goes with a top class restaurant.
The restaurant is easy to find and has its own car park.
It also caters for conference, wedding receptions and other large parties.
Anyone wanting to sample fine food not too far from home should certainly note down Ye Olde Toll House's number on their calendar.
Michelle Pearson
Reproduced with the kind permission of the Express & Star
