The Beacon — Restaurant in England

I called ahead to reserve a table for a party of 5, and probably just as well - their car park (drive in the front, exit out the back) was pretty busy, which was a good sign (there are on-street spaces around the residential area behind the pub if the park is full)

Upon entry, we were shown to our table, which was already flourished with condiments and menus - which had a good range of meals and drinks to choose from. It's a nice open-plan environment with high ceilings and spaced tables; some TVs were on with various shows but muted so it wasn't intrusive, and the whole place didn't seem noisy.

I opted for the pie, which was a hearty round individual steak & ale, containing a good rich inner (which was just as well as I found the accompanying pot of gravy a bit thin) and served with peas (sweet) and chips (crisp and dry, how I like them). There is an option of mash, but I like to dip chips into the pie.

My colleague had fish n chips, a good-sized portion with dry tight batter, a pot of mushy peas and a separate tartare sauce. Others had veggie lasagne (despite them not being vegetarian) served with garlic bread and a good side salad, which they enjoyed immensely. Also chosen was ham, eggs and chips - a few thick slices of cold ham, two fried eggs and plenty of chips made for quite a large plate.

I also enjoyed the beer: they had a fair range on, and despite it being quite busy (good 75% occupancy) the waitresses kept popping over to ensure our drinks were replenished. Although I only saw two or three waitresses in attendance, they seem to get around all tables pretty well and keep service levels high for all those...

I go here for lunch regularly and have never been disappointed. There is a good range of choices on the menu, including a very good lite bite menu, and the prices are very reasonable. As an example, last week I had loaded chicken fajita chips, my friend had jacket potato with melted cheese, and we each had a pot of decaff tea. You are given a biscoff biscuit with your tea or coffee. There is no problem asking for tap water, and this was provided with a slice of lemon and straw in each glass. The whole meal for 2 came to £17.10. It is very busy at the time we go, between 12-3pm, so it is advisable to book a table. It is waitress/waiter service, and the service is quick, in spite of it being busy. The staff are always lovely. You can also eat in the bar area but I think you have to order food at the bar. There is a large outside area with bench/tables and large parasols if you want protection from the sun. The car park can get full, but we have been able to park on the road behind the pub near the park so it doesn't interfere with the resident's parking. It is wheelchair accessible. I can highly...

Years of loving the beacon has been ruined by one visit. Dropped in for a spontaneous Sunday lunch, understanding it would likely be a wait due to not booking. However, on arrival many tables in the restaurant and bar were empty. Ordered food at the bar, good service so far... 50 minutes later, having watched our neighbouring tables (including one who arrived after us) receive their food, we were feeling very hungry and frustrated. Unfortunately, we are not confrontational people so did not go up. It was a shame that no one noticed how long we'd been there, as we seemed to be the only ones not checked on. Food was below standard. I didn't know a lightbite would entail one little 'potato' drowned in pepper. Vegetables that had no flavour (5 peas) and gravy so watered down that it formed a nice little puddle on the bottom of the plate as it was impossible to keep on the food. Can't comment of the stuffing, there was none. Pretty shocking to have spent £28 on disappointment.

Cauliflower was...