The Talbot Country Inn in Shropshire

Fantastic pub, Fantastic staff. Fantastic food. The best Sunday lunch we've ever had. The food was out of this world. The staff were amazing. The service was second to none. Will definitely be back soon

"Small plates" of food that were actually quite large. Good basic choice very reasonable price. Accomodating our requests with no fuss, and friendly staff.

This is what a pub should be. Friendly staff (and customers!), great atmosphere, good beer, honest food. Small but sensibly priced menu (and drinks), tasty food, large portions, well cooked & presented by lovely staff. We went mid-week: it was full! Has just been taken over, so don’t look too closely at the older reviews. Really well done 👍. Would definitely recommend.

The Talbot is now under new ownership (joules brewery have finally left 🎉🎉) The new owners are fortunately a free house with a good range of drinks ales,lagers,ciders available and now serving home cooked food Decent sized portions that are well priced and delicious Very friendly staff on hand to help We live locally and see the Talbot as a great local (after some difficult periods with the previous brewery ownership ) Thankfully the new owners and in-house team are doing a fantastic job and have turned it back into a fabulous village asset

Walked down on Christmas Eve for a drink with my wife about 8pm. The music was blasting out at an uncomfortable level and we left immediately with buying a drink. It’s a village pub not a disco, cater for everyone please! I’m not adverse to music but you have to be able to hold a conversation! Staff were not welcoming

First time in with new owners had dinner and it was 5🌟 totally amazing!! Good value for money and could not fault it and the service!! Well done!

A new manager has taken over as well as newish landlord What a lovely friendly pub, clean and with very friendly and helpful staff and management. Brilliant atmosphere and outside flowers a credit. Drinks were good and reasonably priced, I believe they have just started doing food 2 nd weekend in June. Looking forward to my next visit to try a sample of what’s on offer

I was with a large group of friends who regularly frequent this pub and have spent good money there for a number of years. The new landlord took over a while ago and all seemed OK to begin with, but it soon became obvious that at times customers where an inconvenience. We arranged our annual Christmas meal there. Food was distinctly average and appeared to be just thrown on to the plate. It has to be said the staff serving were excellent, the problem was the landlord manning the kitchen. One of our party was left without a sweet as the kitchen had run out!! The stroppy rude landlord insisting on charging full price for food HE had failed to serve!! He also had a go at me for trying to pay at "the wrong till." This man needs to have a serious word with himself. He is heavily (90%) dependent on his local trade. So less of the attitude and concentrate more on customer service.

We'd booked a christmas meal for a local group. The service from the staff was fine but the landlord is one of the most miserable, unhelpful lanlords I've ever come across. As we are locals and have used the venue regularily over the years our experiences on the whole have been very good but that is no longer the case. Avoid this place at all costs - The food was poor and when we didnt recieve some of our final course and offered to pay 90% of the bill the Landlord was extremely rude and offensive.

Had a fantastic lunch here today. Our hosts were friendly and attentive and the food was wonderful. We struggled to choose from the selection of delicious sounding offerings but settled on the Croque Madame and the Croque Veggie. We were certainly not disappointed. Fresh, tasty and just the right amount. We left feeling very satisfied and have already planned our return to try out the evening menu and the Sunday lunch. There have been many highs and lows for The Talbot over the years but these guys have seriously nailed it this time.

Visited on a whim on a Saturday night on being aware it has new management. Telephoned first to make sure there was a table - a food idea as very busy.Warmly welcomed by the friendly, smiling staff. Great decor with spacious tables, everything sparkling clean. Menu not massive but I think they're concentrating on doing everything well and building it up. Tagliatelle starter with courgette, lemon and broad beans was so tasty and fresh. Mains of other pasta dishes, fish and chips and gammon and chips all very good. Decent sized portions and well priced. Great selection of real ales too. What's not to love?! Am sure the new team are well on the way to making a tired establishment a raging success. Good to see. Going to try their sunday lunches next... looking forward to it. Keep it up.

Went to the Talbot with my wife and her sister, who we were visiting in the area. We had a very nice lunch, everything was tasty, and the staff were very informative and helpful. Would go again if we were in the area.

I can not fault The Talbot I’ve been in many times both with family/friends & on my own and always had a fab time. The staff are warm and welcoming, great selection of drinks, food is delicious and the atmosphere is fab. I will be returning and recommending it to everyone I know. The new landlords have made a good pub great! Thank you xxx

The service was excellent. As a vegetarian who, didn't fancy the veggie option on the menu, they made me a special lentil cottage pie which had the most creamy mash I've had in a long time! We received a warm welcome and so did our dog! Water and treats for him too! Thank you Gavin, Charlotte and all your staff for going the extra mile to make sure we had such a lovely evening.

We are so delighted to have new people in the The Talbot, as we can use it again! Gone has the dirt and grime it now sparkles. Yesterday we had an excellent Sunday lunch and nothing was to much trouble. Welcome Charlotte and Gavin wishing you every success.

We've just got back from a meal at the dog since the new owners have taken over. Sadly we haven't been recently as it wasn't so great. We were pleasantly surprised. Really friendly owners with a passion to make this a place to go to again. Great atmosphere on a Friday night. We had steak and fish and chips, delicious. Would highly recommend and we will be back soon. Hope all the locals give the dog their support again

Really enjoyed the lunch we had with the family. Good food which was excellent and service very good.will definitely return and hope both Gavin and Charlotte do well.

Went for lunch with my husband and daughter's after hearing that it was back open. We were offered a fairly substantial lunch menu with enough on there to please an 11 yr old and a 52yr old. Our lunch was wonderful. No complaints off any one. From the fish and chips to the goats cheese caponata ciabatta. Loads on the plate and really reasonably priced. Good selection of drinks. The Green Monkey lager going down a treat!! Will definitely be back, next time for the Sunday Lunch I think. Friendly staff and cosy and warm. What's not to like.

Me and my partner love joules pubs and drove out of our way to the Talbot inn. It was just before 4pm and The joules pub website clearly states that food is served until 6pm on Sundays. We got there to find that the pub was practically empty and that food stopped at 3:00. Disappointed and hungry we grabbed a quick drink whilst we found somewhere else. It was there that we noticed the shelves full of dust and windows were dirty. The place just looked like it needed a proper clean. We drank up and left, and the back of the pub was a right mess. I would like to say again that we love joules pubs and I would recommend them to anyone looking for good properly friendly pub with good food and drink, until now we have never been to a bad one. The Talbot inn however really lets the side down for joules brewery, i will not be going back or recommending to anyone. I just hope that he brewery is aware of this and get a handle on this.

A proper English country pub. Great beer: Joules, especially the Slumbering Monk. The best Fish and Chips we’ve had in a very long time. Cosy atmosphere with log burning fires.

Lovely old character pub, very friendly staff. Gorgeous food. homemade style. My husband had the grill below.

Brilliant proper local pub. Fantastic food not pretentious just well served decent food. Friendly staff, log fires and proper food. What else could you want

Very old pub. Nice and clean. Lovely inside with log fires. Staff were friendly. The food menu is a bit limited but what we ordered was presented well and tasted great. A little pricey but enjoyable.

We live next to a pub but don’t use it as we’d rather eat here. Decent pub food, plenty of it too. Reasonable prices in my opinion and we have received great service and have done every time. Tiny gripe - paper menus need replacing with tidier ones.

The night we visited, the pub was practically empty and the waiter was playing on his phone, totally disinterested in serving us. There is a limited choice of food but it was ok and a reasonable portion. I've been here before but there is a distinct lack of atmosphere or enthusiasm for customers. Wouldn't be my first choice.

We decided to go to the talbot for a night out . it was a sunday night and they had live entertainment. It was the Chefs night off but the landlord was providing hotdog and chips or burger and chips all of which looked very tempting . great atmosphere in the pub entertainment was exellent provided by Jake Nelson musiic uk . very friendly pub will definitely be going back

Great atmosphere, lovely country pub feel. Now with the new chef food is wholesome and delicious, great service really enjoyed the whole experience.

We always use the Talbot for lunch when on our family long weekend away.

We were staying at the local caravan park just outside Ruyton xi towns and decided to give the Talbot Inn a try on Saturday night. What a top meal we had! We took advantage of the offer of two grills and a bottle of wine for £25.00. We both had the burger which was outstanding. We could have had Sirloin, Rib eye or Gammon which all looked very nice indeed. The Shiraz was very good aswell. The Talbot Inn is a cosy little pub which serves very nice real ales and lagers. The landlord was very friendly and helpful as were all the staff. If you are visiting this area and fancy a really good meal without breaking the bank then we would highly recommend this village pub.

We kind of had to go to the Talbot, nowhere else was open, within walking distance but, what a surprise. Friendly, welcoming staff, good beers and a steak to die for. Loved it, we're planning on going back to Berriew and we'll eat in the Talbot, thanks guys

Called in on a Saturday evening after a walk and had really good food. I had the home made Burger with chips home made coleslaw and the wife had Fish and Chips. James the Chef has created a Burger which is supurb and the coleslaw excellent, I could have done with more!. The wife's Fish was really well cooked so as the inside moist and Tasty and the Batter light and Crisp. I will definetely eat there again

Popped in for a quick evening meal and got served very quickly by a very pleasant young lady. The food was excellent and not too expensive. Will definitely visit again.

We live in the village so are regulars at the dog. Staff are always welcoming and friendly.

My 102 year old gran said it was the best scampi and chips she'd ever had. She would have happily sat dunking chips in the homemade tartare sauce all night! She was able to order from the kids menu (she only has a small appetite) which in some places they won't let you do.

After having read supposedly good reports about this establishment we visited it for both drinks and a meal.

Visited the pub for an evening meal following the new management taking over and the kitchen reopening. Menu choice was limited. Starter was served at the same time as the main- never heard of this happening before. Over priced for what I had although the food was tasty

this as been reviewed previously by myself but it is now under new ownership no meals being served at present as under new management . The new landlord made us very welcome including the dog . Beer was kept very well and when kitchens and meal are up and running i am sure he will make a go of the pub , hope to see you later in the year . Thank you for making us welcome .

We live about 4 miles from this pub and visit often.

Food was so good kids from age 2 up to adults something for everyone xx they put some happy birthday banner up for us xx so friendly helpful and kind xx kids and adults enjoy our night xxx

A very disappointing mal at The Talbot Inn on Saturday evening Will start with the positive the young man behind the bar and the young lady waiting on were very pleasant .I ordered a pizza well trade description comes to mind The base was as on the menu the topping was cheap scrappy ham, cold sliced tomato And sliced yellow cheese. The chips were hot the pizza was not after a few minute I explained to the waitress it was not my idea of a pizza and to take it away. Although the landlady was informed of the complaint she choose not say anything to us The place was nearly empty so there was ample opportunity to address this I did not pay for meal but they had billed it so did expect payment. We went in for a meal not to have to complain. Will not return but have been regular visitors in the past.

What can I say about the Talbot, apart from excellent, the food is great and the staff are so helpful and friendly, we had visitors a few Sundays ago and asked them what would they like to do about lunch, go to the Talbot please, a great credit to Tracey and Sean, they are the best landlady and landlord we have ever known, keep visiting folks and showing our support to great people and a great pub.

The pub is on the up however every time we go in we see too many “bumpkins” and our advise would be ; try and get more femails socialising in the pub (bar and restaurant).

Booked here for a friends birthday , the landlady kindly decorated a booth for us and organised a cake . Pub itself is a cosy pub with open fires . Sunday lunch was perfect , attentive and friendly service .

We went a few times over Christmas and also went for Christmas lunch, The lunch was a carvery with turkey ,roast ham and beef, a great selection of veg and yorkshire pudding. A lovely Christmasy atmosphere and help yourself to veg and trimmings. Very busy but landlady and landlord still found time to chat to everyone. A very well done Talbot for a lovely Christmas. We have been to this pub with previous management but this couple have bought this pub alive with its log fires and warm friendly atmosphere. Long may they be there.

Visiting over Christmas, been in and out over the whole period. Landlady, lord and staff extremely welcoming. Locals very much the same too.

I hadn't been to this pub for some time, since the last landlords were there, but the welcome was so friendly as soon as we walked through the door. As a young couple we tend to never feel welcome going out for food but here we felt at home!

I visit The Talbot regularly and whether its just for a drink, a spontaneous bite to eat or a meal...

Lovely pub recently refurbished, good beer and a place you would want to spend the evening at, called for a pint during the week and on the strength of that booked a table for a meal later in the week

I visit the Talbot, locally known as the Dog, weekly. My husband and I walk a mile or so through the woods with our kelpie to have a pint, or two, of Green Monkey. The welcome is always friendly and our dog lies by the fire on the wooden floor. It is comfortable place.

The building is quite old with oak beam ceilings and is cosy. Some of the tables had been previously arranged for the group l was with. The staff on the bar were very friendly and welcoming and we were shown our table after getting our drinks. There was options for vegetarians on the menu and a good mix of dishes. I ordered a well done steak and it was delicious. Not over or under cooked bit just right and tender. The food was delivered quickly considering there was twelve adults and three children. The starter l had was a home made scotch egg with apple sauce and that was delicious. Definitely a place to return too.

Popped in last month for a late lunch and a couple of drinks with my wife.

We were staying in the village for just one night and this seemed to be the only option for an evening meal. We booked by phone and were given a table in a quiet corner. Drinks orders were taken immediately and the food orders taken in good time too. We did not have to wait long for our starter; minestrone soup and scotch eggs which were very tasty. The main courses were also delicious but very filling. We had plenty to drink with our food and after so when the bill arrived we were sure something must had been missed off. After checking we found it was correct; for us the meal and drinks represented excellent value for great quality supplied by very friendly and attentive staff. If we lived here I'm sure we'd be regulars!

I'm a big fan of the Talbot, and make no secret of it. Since taken over nine months ago it's gone from strength to strength and is an important and vital part of our village community. This week I experienced the carvery, now on offer in the function room and wasn't disappointed. Six of us enjoyed a well cooked, good quality, traditional Sunday lunch! What could be better? There was a choice of three meats and a veggie option accompanied with all the trimmings, Yorkshires, stuffing etc. and a good selection of well cooked potatoes and veg, followed by a lovely dessert and all for approx. £13.50 each, great value. Well done Tracey and Sean, keep up the good work.

We had high hopes for this place, the signage was promising, the interior was lovely and the food sounded great. Sadly that's where our positive experience ended. I had the 'pan seared chicken breast' which had five elements all of which were pretty grim. The mashed potatoe was cold and lumpy, the chicken breast was not, more of an escalope and a small one at that, the veg had clearly been microwaved and scorched and the sauce was plain cream, no flavour and certainly not a mushroom and thyme cream sauce as promised. My husband's meal was just as was just as grim, he had steak and ale pie despite being a chap who'll eat almost anything that left him cold! We eat out 4 times most weeks and while you get good and bad I've always rolled with them and have never posted a negative review but this was so so bad I felt ripped off. I've tried to find something positive to say but there really is nothing save the service was quick- about the time it takes to heat something in a microwave! Seriously, give this place a miss.

This is our local pub, we love it there, when our friends and fily visit we enjoy bringing them down for a drink and a meal, since Tracy and Sean took over the pub has improved leaps and bounds, everyone is so friendly, food great, beer is great company is fantastic, we love visiting the pub and the staff are always smiling, gets our vote every time

Nice enough and food excellent just don't like the beer. Good old Carling to the back up... beautiful place though and great atmosphere....

Well what a wonderful country pub and fantastic quality food. This is the second time I have visited and I have never been disappointed. I called in here on my way back from Oswestry, I knew there was a Joule's pub and always like to try them out.The first time we passed by me and my partner stopped off, the sun was shining so we sat on the beer patio and had a wonderful lunch. You could tell the food is freshly made here and nice homemade chips.My most recent visit was for the Sunday Carvery, we were passing with friends so called ahead to book a table. The carvery was to a high standard and nothing was too much trouble, a choice of meats, plenty of veg, homemade Yorkshire puddings and plenty of tasty homemade roast potatoes. The staff were fantastic and nothing was too much trouble, we will definitely be returning what great value for money.

Beware. If you want a starter as your main (I did as I wanted to save money for a pudding as well!) or a child's meal when you are an adult they will charge the same as a full meal! This meant my £3.50 scotch egg ended up being over £7. Nothing on the menu states that this will happen so kinda feels like day light robbery... Food is okay though. Nice looking pub and nice atmosphere. Landlords a bit scary and I dislike when she tells all the young girls off in front of you, it makes it all round a bit awkward and uncomfortable.

Can get used to this place Happy friendly country pub , great food and homely atmosphere Sunday carvey and a great function room .

We tried the Sunday roast,both had beef.Best meat we have had out in a long time.Only £8.95.ExcellentThe G& T was cheaper than most places locally too.Friendly staffOnly criticism is that there is no summer options on a Sunday,and ashtray buckets on outside tables could do with emptying.

Road side pub that looked interesting in a village with an equally interesting name, needs investigating for an evening meal stop.So far so good, walked in and yes it looked interesting and nicely appointed low ceilings et al, ah ha this will do, Mmmm a yappy dog with its bed in thr bar area, ok so a minor irritation ( i like dogs but cant do with persistent yapping, no not cute!) the menu decide my choice get a soft drink pity I was driving as the beer Joules, looked very tempting but hey ho such is life.So I took a table by the window at the front of the pub ( a refectory type affair ) it was brighter there to enjoy my drink and meal, WRONG the yappy mutt came across then jumped up on the opposite bench seat having a nosey irritating as it was it then jumped on the table! There seemed to be no discipline for the dog at all, dogs allowed on tables in an eating establishment, I don't think so, I moved into the more restaurant type area at the back of the pub only to be followed by the irritation, it wandered off after a short while fortunately and I got my food ate and left.The food I had was very good pub grub so no complaints there and the pub was nice, bar service at the outset was a little slow but not too much of a issue the staff were pleasant but it needs to be said that not everyone appreciates there "lovely" pooch walking on food tables and harassing the clients.As I'm in the area from time to time I would visit again but alas not until I was convinced the canine issue had been remedied.

Been here twice in last few weeks once on weekday evening and for Sunday lunch. Fantastic food both times. Friendly, warm atmosphere. Definitely recommend.

My friend & I were driving from Holyhead to Eastleigh and hasn't eaten since breakfast. I pulled up TripAdvisor to look for somewhere nearby to eat. We looked at several & HAD to choose this pub as they have a Dalmatian on their sign(we were on our way back from a dog show in Ireland with a Dalmatian!!) I called the pub as it was 10 minutes before their website said they stopped serving food, we were 10 minutes away! The reply was, no problem, come along! The pub is in a little village, has a fair sized car park behind it and outside seating which was perfect as it was over 30 degrees. We were greeted by a very friendly lady who I think is the landlady. She took me into a separate building which had the carvery in it. I was given 2 big plates with plenty of meat on it and was left to add vegetables. Everything was delicious. The gravy was the best I've tasted from any pub, it tasted just like my Mum used to make, fresh from the meat juices. The pub itself has a real country feel and the staff in there were also very friendly. I have to say that we were made to feel very welcome and everyone we met there was so genuinely friendly.One for the ladies, there was a basket of tampons & sanitary towels in the toilet as well as lovely soap & hand-cream, all of these were a really nice personal and thoughtful touch. I would 100% recommend this delightful pub.

Stopped for lunch and a pint, lovely building, cosy inside, great food, beer, and service really friendly atmosphere. Would definitely return, well worth a visit.

Came across the pub quite back accident whilst on a recce of our planned holiday cottage nearby. Decided to stop for lunch at the carvery in the adjacent building. I love this type of traditional pub and the meal was great as well as the staff serving us. Beer garden was also great.

Great atmosphere friendly service and lovely foodGreat place Traditional pub with great choice of meals and drinks

A group of us visited, great selection of ales on bar. Had a lovely meal steak cooked perfectly. Would recommend... have a sweet tooth try treacle tartlet. Lovely layout and atmospheric place.

Visited today for Lunch. A warm welcome from a friendly Landlord and Landlady, lovely decor,open fires etc. Nice friendly locals and good food. Will return again.

We have visited the Talbot on and off for the past 9 years, and have experienced it at its best and at its worst! However it was taken over recently by a really lovely couple who do everything they can to make you welcome. They now have a chef and we tried the food last night and it was excellent, just what Ruyton XI Towns has needed for a long time, we are and will continue to be regulars, it has great ambience, with it's lovely log fires and comfortable layout, well worth a visit.

Closed again. Hopefully somebody can make a go of this place. After so many managers/tenants one has to have doubts

We heard that the Talbot had brought in a new chef from London that specialises in Food trends.. and wow we were jot disappointed. The corned Beef Hash spring rolls were to die for, then my main was the southern fried chicken and bacon pizza pie.. probably the most mouthwatering dish ive ever had.. the family loved every bite.. will be visiting at least once per week from now on

Decided to give the place a try for dinner with a friend after having read some favourable reviews . Place empty at 8.00 pm, no menu available but advised that the choices were limited to fish, spicy chicken or meat in a bap with chips and coleslaw priced at £9.50. Should have left at that point but decided to proceed with the spicy chicken. MacDonalds do a far better version for around £3.50.

The pub is beautiful! Great selection of wine/beer/ale. The bar staff in particular are friendly, happy and always polite. Food is lovely, served warm, great portions…… when it eventually arrives?!Only negative would be that waiting an hour for food when it seemed we were the only people in there eating, could be an area for improvement. Would still highly recommended though.

My wife and I stopped here for a meal on the way back to Shrewsbury. We had a very good three course meal, which was very well presented and served. The ale was first class. The pub is old but has been brought up to modern standards with out losing its charm. It is a hidden gem in the Shropshire countryside, go on and try it. You won't be disappointed.

Staff were excellent very friendly nothing was too much trouble, food was amazing all homemade very good size portions. Will defiitely be planning a return visit

Charater pub with a good atmospher ! Good service and food only criticism I have is the choice on the menu was a bit on the small side for vegetarian ,(as I could not find a website menu we could only choose when we got there although they say the menu is changed every 6 -8 weeks) but desserts all homemade!!! It's a type of place that could become my local.

We visited this pub for some food and we were pleasantly greeted by some very friendly staff, very welcoming and polite. The food was incredible and all home made, was an accidental find but will definitely be visiting again, Thanks guys :)

Although we were ready to eat as soon as we arrived and were shown to a table, the food took a long time to come. The excuse was that punters usually have drinks first but the point was made that we sat down to eat immediately

We came across this little gem of a pub on our drive home to the Midlands from North Wales. Not only is it beautifully and sympathetically renovated but the publican was friendly and welcoming. Unfortunately we had narrowly missed Sunday lunch however we were provided with green monkeys lager and a large dish of rosemary roast potatoes (free of charge), friendly conversation and an assurance that the food is well worth a return visit ...... We will be back!!

Fantastic food and excellent service. Varied menu great thought has gone into the choices. Wonderful service nothing was too much trouble. What more could you ask for ?

We visited The Talbot last night for a family birthday what a great place. Everything was excellent. I decided on creamy garlic mushrooms with goats cheese for starter and the chicken supreme with bacon and cheese crumble both these courses were amazing. I work in a 4 star hotel and both courses would work very well in our restaurant they were that good. There were 2 waitresses working last night both attended to us though the night they were so friendly and extremely helpful with taking our order and all the questions I asked. We will definitely be going back again soon.

Had great meal here tonight. Called in early on a Wednesday night and really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Lots of people in which was great. Friendly welcome from the landlord and waiter, very much enjoyed our starters of smoked salmon and camembert and mains, burger and fish and chips. Delicious food and good service would definitely recommend. Great to have a fab local pub again.

Service Excellent, food - for bar Sunday Roast, excellent value. Freshly prepared, no packet food. Will go again

This is the first time we have eaten at the Talbot since the new owners have taken over. We went there with a group of friends last night. Cannot fault anything. Service was friendly, food was amazing. Everyone of our group commented on how good the food was. Rib-eye steak was perfectly cooked, fish pipe was the best one of our group had ever tasted, chicken burger was spot on! The deserts were so good I had two! Thanks to the Talbot team for making the evening so enjoyable. See you soon!

Our third meal since the Talbot reopened with its new team - once again we loved the food, service and atmosphere - see you all soon

We asked to book a table after a function, we were told it would be 20-30 minutes. 1 and a half hours later we finally sat down. It then took them 30 mins to come take our order. We ordered sausage and mash, steak and fish and chips, with garlic bread to start. The garlic bread came which was lovely. We then waited 30mins for our main meal which all the chips were cold and the prices for the food was so expensive for what we had on our plate.

We took some friends here for Sunday lunch management team very friendly and very helpful The Sunday lunch was really nice good choice for Sunday menu The only negative seems bit silly only did filter coffee which the first cup wasn't very hot second one was ok but other than that friendly atmosphere Will return again

Had a lovely meal here last weekend. The pub has recently been refurbished and now offers a lovely environment to enjoy a relaxing evening with friends/family. The new owners/staff are very friendly and couldn't have been more helpful. Having read recent reviews, I had concerns, but to my delight, I can honestly say that the food on offer was excellent and very reasonably priced (I believe a new chef had just started a day before we visited). All our meals were delicious but I would especially recommend the nachos - don't be tempted to have a portion to share - you'll wish you'd had them all to yourself!

Thought we try again as it now has new owners ordered fish pie which I had to send back as it was still cold. Prices are still very high espically for the amount you get my fish pie was presented in a small round ramekin and veg couple of carrots very very disappointed

Great ambience, fantastic food. staff friendly helpful This one's for returning too again and again Food excellent and you can never have too much cheese Icing on cake is they take dogs too a grand day out

Lovely steak and really good service in a super comfy stylish country pub. I would recommend a visit.

Booked a table for four about a week ahead of our visit. On arrival we were shown our table and told that there was a large table in and so things would be a bit slow. No problem with that, but I do wish restaurants would let you know when you book so that you can decide whether to visit on another, less busy night. Sat for ages and eventually had to ask for menus. Ordered 4 starters and mains which came surprisingly quickly in the circumstances. Although the table had been marked "reserved", we had to ask for condiments before starting to eat. The starters were OK and, for the mains, the steaks were probably the best option, as the fish was served in a very soggy batter and my chicken in red wine sauce was extremely disappointing - definitely would not order that again. So, in summary, the food wasn't up to much and definitely wasn't worth its price tag.However, the staff were friendly and did their best. But what really let the place down was that, once the last meals had been served, and even though there were people sitting in the dining area, the music in the bar area (which is adjacent to the dining area and open plan) was turned up so that our conversation became very difficult while, at the same time, the language emanating from the bar area became more and more vulgar. Left early! Will definitely not return or recommend.

5 of us chose a sharing platter for lunch which was great value. Prawns, duck, rare beef, pate and 3 types of cheeses with lots of lovely bread, home made pickles and chutney. Service was friendly and efficient and quick. we will go back.

After a recent refurbishment The Talbot is looking fantastic and has a lovely cosy feel to it. We dropped in on the off chance of a table for two on a Saturday night. With tasty Joule's brewery ale, a good wine list and a well thought out menu, we felt confident. The food did not disappoint, with fresh, well cooked and crafted dishes that were enjoyed wholeheartedly. I can recommend the Calf's liver (melt in the mouth) and Rib-eye steak without hesitation. Starters and sweets were equally impressive. Highly recommended.

This is a great little pub with a homely atmosphere and well-sized pub classics (and more) at decent prices. Well worth a visit if you're passing through Ruyton XI Towns and feeling the pangs of hunger!

The previous review made me doubt my decision but decided to have a steak anyway. And am I so glad that I went for my own decision. Both our tuna and rib eye steaks were cooked too perfection. Will definitely be visiting again soon. Please make your own mind up but it wells worth it

We've eaten here on many occasions, but our last visit was very disappointing.Although costs have dropped slightly this is still priced at the upper end gastro pub clientele.I had to send back by steak as it was cooked incorrectly, and was too embarrassed to send it back a second time when it was still wrong. My wife felt her main course was nothing better than a microwave meal.The desserts were suspiciously like bought in frozen yet nearly £5 each.The positives were the service was very attentive and the starter wasn't too bad.But overall very disappointing indeed, the staff here are so friendly I hope this is just a blip!

Visited for first time in three months for dinner. There was a new chef & a new menu, both my husband & I were very happy with our visit. Excellent food (we had a gammon (£12) & a scampi( £10)great presentation, good sized portions. Only disappointment was that Grolsch was no longer available on draught.

Dropped into watch the chelsea game tonight and what an atmosphere! Great beer, great hosts topped off with great football! Always come back for food as will bend over backwards to serve food and cooked perfectly no matter what is ordered! Top marks!

Dropped in on Sunday to meet friends for a drink, we were very sceptical as the previous management wasn't to our taste and we used to avoid at all costs. The new management are great, with lovely beer and Guiness on draft. Looking forward to going back next Sunday and may have lunch too this time.