The Feathers at Brockton is nestled in the glorious Shropshire countryside and is within an easy drive of Much Wenlock, Bridgnorth and Ludlow. The Inn dates back to over 200 hundred years old and retains much of the quirky and original charm. The welcoming is warm and friendly and the dining areas are both relaxed and unpretentious.

Shropshire boasts some wonderful locally produced ingredients and the Chef showcases them on a tempting a la carte menu and an interesting specials board. The a la carte menu offers a choice of about half a dozen starters and main courses and all are worthy contenders when it comes to making a decision!

Neither I nor my dining companion have huge appetites but I was tempted by a starter of Herb Crusted Goats Cheese, Tomato Salad and a Balsamic Vinegar Dressing. The baked goats cheese was deliciously soft and creamy with a mild flavour and not overpoweringly ‘goaty’ like some that I have previously tasted. The fresh herb crust offered a welcome bite and texture to the dish, whilst the balsamic vinegar dressing cut through the cheese nicely. If I had a criticism and it is a personal one, I could have lived without the tomato salad as for me, it really didn’t add anything.

For our main courses we both chose traditional British Fayre and we were not disappointed. I had plumped for the Slow Cooked Pork Belly, Black Pudding, Apple and Cinnamon Chutney and Crackling. The pork belly was cooked to absolute perfection and it simply melted in the mouth. Quite often this cut of meat is undercooked and lacking any real depth of flavour. This however was a delight, the crackling was crisp and golden and the chutney was nicely ‘fruity’ with a subtle hint of spice.

My guest opted for the Half Shoulder of lamb, Creamed Leeks and Butter Beans with a Rosemary Scented Sauce. Once again the meat was beautifully cooked and it was so tender it literally fell away from the bone. The only complaint was that there was enough for two! The fresh leeks were covered in a well seasoned, cream sauce and the butter beans gave the dish a rustic feel. The richly coloured sauce was delicately flavoured with fresh rosemary and complemented the lamb perfectly.
Both main courses were accompanied by large dishes of fresh vegetables and crisp sauté potatoes. No complaints there either as the vegetables were hot and nicely cooked and although the potatoes were fried they were still a welcome change from chips!

Normally after such a huge meal we wouldn’t even have contemplated a pudding but on this occasion we felt that it would be a fitting end to a thoroughly enjoyable evening. After much careful deliberation we chose the Creamy Rice Pudding with Plums and Cinnamon and the Vanilla Crème Brulee with Homemade Shortbread Biscuits. No complaints here either! The rice pudding was homemade and delightfully creamy with a compote of poached fresh plums and a touch of spice. The Crème Brulee was soft and vanillary with a crisp, caramelised top and the homemade shortbread was wonderfully light and buttery.

It is very hard to find fault with The feathers. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and there is a good selection of wines and ales to accompany the wonderful food on offer. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this Shropshire gem to others and for £25 each including drinks and coffee its good value too. JW