IT'S BEEN five years since our last visit to one of Stratford's oldest and most famous pubs.

But, on this form, we won't leave it quite so long next time.

A plaque outside says t he building dates back to 1594, with an inn on the site since 1718.

It was apparently first called 'The Reindeer' then 'The Greyhound' and briefly 'The New Inn'.

But it became known as The Garrick Inn around 1769, named after the famous actor David Garrick (1717-79) after he had organised a three-day Stratford Jubilee.

At the end, comes the tempting sign off: 'So why not step inside and partake as many travellers have done before you?'

And so we did. We had a very pleasant circular table for five next to the corridor, but in our own little alcove where my pint of Sunshine real ale more than made up for the lack of natural light.

The muzak was very pleasant while we waited for our food, with a separate waiter even popping by to give us a two-minute warning that it was on its way.

Once they arrived, everyone wolfed down their meals.

Collette tried the chicken with goats cheese and salad, while I had a chicken and bacon salad with warm and very beautifully poached egg.

Lots of places would have got the egg wrong but when the simple things are done right you know are in good hands. The bacon had an old-fashioned depth of taste and texture, too.

Holly and Louie were both in the mood for fish and chips, while Madison sprang a surprise by opting for bangers and mash with gravy. Like their parents, all were satisfied.

Our total bill came to a very reasonable £38.65, which I paid at the till while a fellow customer was also saying good things about his own meal.

The Bill

2 Children's fish and chip £7.90 1 Child's bangers and mash £3.95 1 Smothered chicken £8.60 1 Chicken and bacon salad £6.95 2x J20 £3.60 1 Jacobs Chardonnay £4.95 1 Guest ale - Sunshine £2.70

The Verdict

PLUS: Food steeped in history, cracking pint and top notch children's sausages.

MINUS: No room left for puds!