The Cygnets in Hook-a-Gate gets my seal of approval for family dining; I had been there previously with my parents when we enjoyed a very good meal one Saturday night, and it’s now passed the taste test for the toughtest critics out there – the teenagers!
As my daughter was celebrating her 16th birthday a small group us went for a meal on Saturday lunchtime. For reasons which all parents will appreciate we were late arriving, but the staff were happy to accommodate us right on the 2pm deadline – first thumbs up.
The pub itself combines a modern, airy feel and a nod to the past, all warm Mediterranean colours and oak beams, with the restaurant area separated from the open plan bar and lounge. From the outset the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming and friendly, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.
Once seated we ordered drinks and looked through the extensive menu, which specialised in what I would call pub favourites with something extra (the owners’ motto is, they don’t serve fast food but quality food as fast as they can).
For openers we opted to share two Cygnets Feasts for Four, which is a medley of several starters. I did fear that the portions wouldn’t be large enough for the group but needn’t have worried as the platters which arrived were groaning under the weight of garlic mushrooms, potato wedges, chicken wings, scampi, onion rings, garlic bread and a variety of dips.
This led to the next fear…whether we would have enough appetite left for the main courses! But no worries; the sirloin steak, Whitby scampi, chicken fillet with bacon and Shropshire blue cheese, and ham and eggs were devoured with gusto, as were the two home made specials sampled – chilli and broccoli and cheese pasta bake. All the meals were served with a choice of potatoes and vegetables, ample helpings all.
The portions had us beat though when it came to the desserts and we all opted out, despite a tempting choice of home made sweets.
The food was great – definitely a cut above pub fare, well cooked and presented, plenty of it and and reasonably priced – and the friendly atmosphere a real bonus, no doubt down to the fact that The Cygnets is run by the Jones family, under licensees Ian Jones and Clair Sale plus other members of Ian’s clan.
I would recommend this as a perfect place for dining with family and friends on an evening or lunchtime. A word of warning: Sunday lunches are very popular so book in advance.