By Pub Spy

Every month the SNJ’s Pub Spy is visiting a different pub and deliver his verdict. This month he went to The Weighbridge Inn near Nailsworth.

Rumours of the pub’s famous pies came from far and wide across Stroud, so keen to try one out for myself I went along to the small quintessential country pub last week.

Upon entry I was hit by a wall of warmth form the 17th century pub’s open log fires. The pub itself has a very traditional décor, you can tell it hasn’t changed in many years.

Iron mongers’ tools hang from the ceiling in the bar area, long wooden beams run throughout and fires still blaze in their original hearths.

The welcome from this fire was matched by the staff, who ushered my two friends and I over to the bar, which as well stocked with a good selection of local beers, ales and wines.

I chose a Gloucester Old Spot, a favourite with the regulars I was told. This was smooth and warming after the cold November wind.

We took up a small circular table in the room on the other side of the stone fireplace. As it was a Friday night it was fairly busy, with a big party sounding very merry upstairs.

This is all part of the Weighbridge’s country pub atmosphere; ambience, roaring fires, muddy boots, dogs. It reminded me of the pubs back home.

Topping the menu, naturally, are the famous 2 in 1 pies. There are over seven different fillings to choose from, ranging from roasted root vegetable to steak, kidney and stout.

Half the pie is cauliflower cheese, while the other half is your chosen filling, then covered with a buttery melt in the mouth homemade pastry. These cost £14.80 and are made totally from scratch in their kitchen.

The menu itself is a really good size, with a good variety of starters mains and deserts. This includes a good mix of fish and different meats.

Admittedly there isn’t a huge choice for vegetarians but that’s to be somewhat expected at a traditional pub like this. But there is one vegetarian/vegan pie available on the menu.

To start I had whitebait with tartare sauce, lemon and leaves – always a winning combination. The huge portion was well presented nicely on a wooden board with artistic garnish and cost a reasonable £4.95.

For my main I had fully intended to try the 2 in 1 pie. But at the last minute of ordering I was swayed by gammon steak topped with fried duck egg, pineapple, and served with hand-cut chips, coleslaw and a side salad. £11.95.

This proved to be a good decision, no matter how good my friends’ pies looked when they arrived shortly after.

The gammon was amazing; a huge slice of well cooked meat, while the pineapple added a sweet and fruity edge, all brought together by the duck egg. The hand-cut chips, served in a huge bowl of their own, were also some of the best I’ve tasted in Stroud.

Usable to resist a taste of famous dish though, I did try the fish pie with dill and parsley. The filling was which was very rich and creamy and the cauliflower was oozing with cheese, blending well with the buttery pastry.

Despite the kitchen being very busy, both courses arrived simultaneously and fairly quickly, and the young waiter was helpful.

One thing that stands out about the Weighbridge compared to other pubs is the portion sizes, they are amazing value for money. I only just finished my meal – something I can’t say for my friends, who were both bested by their enormous meals.

I’d advise only going for the ‘large’ pie if you haven’t had a starter first – or if you’re absolutely ravenous. The ‘mini’ is an ample portion for most people.

The bill put be back £20.40 - a reasonable figure for the size for the size of both meals.

One drawback may be the location; it’s a fair walk from the centre of Nailsworth and only really accessible by car.

But all in all the Weighbridge Inn had everything a good pub should have, roaring fires, good beer, tasty food, welcoming staff and a warm, cheerful atmosphere.

Definitely worth a visit if you’ve got your eye on a pie.

Ratings:

  • Atmosphere: 8/10
  • Decor: 7/10
  • Staff: 6/10
  • Drink: 6/10
  • Food: 8/10
  • Prices: 8/10
  • Overall: 7/10 (a high seven)