WHEN I set off for the latest pub spy review, I must admit I had some difficulty finding The Retreat pub.

True to its name, this pub in the village of Norton is out of the way and when I took a wrong turning off a country lane on a chilly Friday lunchtime, I did wonder if I would make it to the Woodbury Lane establishment.

But make it I did, and I was pleasantly pleased with what I found after I pulled up on the pub’s large car park.

Walking in, I was instantly greeted by pleasant staff and I was pleased to see a warm fire and that the radiators were on to warm this spacious watering hole.

I took a seat - after being informed nowhere was reserved - and after a short deliberation I thought I would go for an option off the lunch bite menu. I opted for traditional small fish and chips with a Carling shandy as I was driving.

The pub was pretty full when I arrived, and I could see the pub is popular among elderly and retired people, looking for a relaxed place to chat with friends and enjoy a meal.

I sat back at my table and, surprisingly, within less than five minutes my meal had been brought over. I was concerned it would be under cooked, but I soon found the tasty cod was, in fact, well cooked. The chips were a smaller portion than I expected but, for the price I paid - £6 for the meal and £3.30 for the drink - you have to say you get good value for less than £10 at The Retreat.

And staff were nice enough to approach me and others during their meals, to ask if everything was OK - always a good sign of a professionally run place.

If there was one criticism of the establishment I would have, the decor is not up to much to be honest. The bland dark colours, browns and greys, are not to Pub Spy’s taste and the pictures of landscapes on the walls are the only things adding a little colour.

But Pub Spy does recognise the pub has an old fashioned feel that many will enjoy, and not all pubs should try to be modern venues.

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Interestingly, there was no background music playing at The Retreat, something the majority of the pubs I have reviewed like to have. There was, though, some music playing, presumably from the kitchen, which could be heard at the bar.

And I was also surprised the pub had completely free public wifi, not even requiring a password. When I tested it I was on straight away.

Before I left I had time to check out the toilets, which were clean and tidy, another good sign the pub is under good management.

And outside the pub comes into its own with a number of seating areas, and a patio which I’m sure is very popular during a hot summer like we had last year.

So overall, what do I make of The Retreat?

Well Pub Spy gives it good marks for the friendly staff and their quick service, the meal and prices. But, on the other hand, if I was landlord I would consider making the pub a brighter venue on the inside. Generally though I enjoyed my visit and The Retreat is a perfect destination for a pint and a bite to eat, especially in the summer when you can sit outside.

SCORES:

Atmosphere 6/10

Decor 2/10

Staff 9/10

Drink 7/10

Food 8/10

Prices 8/10

Overall 7/10