THE menu at The Peacock in Bolter End is simple but for good reason- the landlord wants to offer punters traditional food in an English pub environment.

John Kelleher took over the watering hole three months ago and really wants to encourage locals back.

He is gradually refurbishing the place and seven weeks ago opened the kitchen to offer breakfast, lunch and dinner.

On arrival there were a few locals drinking at the bar which is at the centre of the lay out, with various rooms branching off for dining.

The décor is basic but John is aiming to revamp various things.

It is clean and tidy and I was pleasantly impressed with the standard of the food which is homely, well cooked grub.

John said: "It is all prepared freshly and sourced locally. It is simple, traditional food."

Starters included soup of the day (£3.95); garlic bread (£2.95), mushroom bruschetta (£4.95) and peri peri chicken skewers (£4.95).

I went for the hot and spicy breaded prawns (£4.95). There were about seven breaded prawns- which were very well done with a good crisp, breadcrumb coating and good sized prawns.

There was a nice fresh salad alongside and it was served with a paprika mayo.

My friend had the tomato and basil soup, which was presented with a swirl of cream.

It was well seasoned with a medium consistency and you could tell it was flavoured with fresh basil.

It was served with a side of crusty bread and butter.

Mains include the traditional pub fare such as beer battered fish of the day (£9.95); whole tail scampi (£7.95); ham, egg and chips (£8.95); grilled bacon steak (£7.95); 8oz home made burger (£7.95) and chicken and tomato linguine.

There is also a vegetarian menu of mushroom and pepper stroganoff (£7.95); vegetable lasagne (£6.95) and vegetable pie (£7.95).

I went for the special of an 8oz rib eye steak served with a mushroom, grilled tomato, peas, onion rings and potato discs.

The steak was a delight- cooked medium rare as I requested and very tender and delicious.

The pepper sauce was also really good- it had just the right amount of heat from the pepper and very creamy with a good consistency.

The extras were all really good too- crispy onion rings and moreish discs of fried potato.

My friend had the warm chicken and bacon salad with chef's dressing (£7.95).

The salad had crispy bacon and well seasoned chicken with cucumber, tomato, salad and spring onion and Dijon and cream dressing.

It could have done with more dressing but they would have been more than happy to provide it.

Desserts included ice cream (£3.95); Bramley apple pie (£4.95); warm chocolate fondue pudding (£4.95) and the sweet of the day (4.95).

I had the chocolate fondue- which was just the right size for me- as it is a rich dessert. I pushed my spoon in and soft chocolate sauce came spilling out.

It was very rich and well done and served with chocolate ice cream.

The apple pie was good- the apples were sweet enough with a edge of tartness and the pastry was good, although I suspect not home made.

It was served with Beechdean ice cream and custard.

Overall it was a lovely meal and it is worth popping in to see what John is doing with the place.

Go to www.thepeacockbolterend.co.uk