No frills pub does the job

AT times when no-nonsense pub grub is the order of the day, the Bread and Bitter in Mapperley ably steps up.

Setting aside the local 'controversy' over The Woodthorpe Top's arrival (JD Wetherspoon opens pub in Mapperley shock!), EG decided to check out the competition to the chain's menu.

The Bread and Bitter opened in December 2008 and is a Castle Rock pub, nestled behind The Woodthorpe Top and The Plainsman pub.

In many ways, the Castle Rock brand determines The Bread and Bitter's fare, as well as the atmosphere inside.

It is pleasant and conducive to the real ale posse, but also welcoming for all ages.

The ovens in this former bakery are a particularly nice feature.

As well as the usual favourites on tap, there are proper pub classics served in staunch opposition to paltry portions.

These plates are piled high.

I made that mistake with the paté, surely the yardstick for all old school pub grub.

The paté scored high on the barometer, it wasn't particularly spectacular, but presentation and a good salad go a long way.

You need moisture with so much bread, I feel.

The oval main course plate, complete with four doorstep slices of toast and a man-size wedge of paté, was definitely too much for a starter.

At £4.50 I should have guessed really, but I bravely plodded through it, mindful of the roast dinner that was also due to arrive.

Something which you don't always get is a nice gap between courses and when you ask it can be met with a troubled sigh.

But service at The Bread and Bitter is attentive, friendly and appropriately informal and they provided a much-needed rest during a busy serving time. It was a merciful act before a huge roast dinner arrived.

The beef was beautifully rare and plonked on a nice selection of veg with two Yorkshire puddings.

The Yorkshires however were pre-prepared oven jobs on this occasion, their size and uniformity giving them away. They curbed my pudding pleasure immediately.

Also disappointing was the broccoli which was slightly discoloured and soft, while a final criticism was the lack of a vegetarian roast option.

In fact, the very notion was scoffed at by one of the bar staff, although there are tasty vegetarian options such as lasagne and stews.

All in all though, a satisfying and filling meal after Saturday night revelries.

Old school pub grub that does the job.