Perfect lunch is priced just right

THE relaxing sound of the River Dart streaming past is enough to improve any meal.

But the Sunday roast I enjoyed at The Watermans Arms, Ashprington, would have been good without it.

In fact the combination of glorious location, warm sunshine, excellent food and splendid ale explained why the pub on Bow Creek was crawling with punters eager to taste the delicacies on offer.

I plumped for roast beef. When it came a puffy, gnarled Yorkshire pudding dominated the plate, the vegetables were fresh, tasty and perfectly cooked and the gravy was lashed on.

The meat was succulent, and the two generous slices were more than enough to sate my appetite.

I did indulge in asking for an extra Yorkshire pudding, something which is available on request.

Frankly, I felt it was rude not to ask for one.

I love 'Yorkies', and these were very good, soaking up the gravy perfectly.

That plateful of wholesome nourishment cost a mere £10, and they also have something called a 'Triple Crown' — a slice of pork, lamb and beef, on offer.

I was dared to try one, but for some unexplainable reason decided not to permit my usual gluttony.

My lunch companions, were my girlfriend, her grandmother, who was celebrating her birthday, my girlfriend's brother and mother.

We all ate handsomely and struggled to gulp down dessert.

All of the roasts are available at £6 portions for children or slightly older patrons.

There is something I would like to mention about The Waterman's, and that is the way it prices its food, which is the best I have seen in a pub for ages.

If you were to eat there in the evening the menu is divided by price, meals starting at £6 to £14.

All of the desserts cost £5, a bargain for the apple crumble topped with crushed ginger biscuits doused in creamy vanilla custard I scoffed down, leaving my stomach full to bursting.