Subject: Shepherd's Inn, Melmerby Author: Cecilia Campbell Date: 5/17/2010 Body: RATING Total 17 Great atmosphere 3 Home cooked fresh food 4 Plenty of flavour 3 Good value for money 4 Service with a smile 3 Telephone: 01768 881 741 www.shepherdsmelmerby.co.uk Original review: April 18, 2010, for lunch This is the pub in the middle of Melmerby Village, which we visited for Sunday lunch after I had been picked up in Newcastle, having arrived on the ferry from Amsterdam amidst the volcanic ash chaos. I only mention this because it's relevant insofar as I had not had a decent meal for days. So I had high expectations when the shepherd's pie (listed on the menu as "Luxury Shepherd's Inn shepherd's pie") arrived at the table – and I was not disappointed. Heartier than any such pie I've ever had, and not a tomato near it. Simply tasty meat and mashed potato, onions and sauce – really good, particularly under the circumstances. Martin's warm chicken and bacon salad with a honey and mint dressing was, unfortunately, quite far from glorious. WHERE do pub chefs learn that salads have to consist of only mixed leaves (half of them too bitter to enjoy), raw peppers, raw red onions, tomatoes and cucumber? It's so unimaginative and boring, and really not that flavourful. This was basically your standard pub side salad with some chicken and bacon on top. Disappointing. Other main courses on the daily menu included Roast topside of beef served with all the trimmings, Roast fillet of salmon served with a lemon and herb butter and Arriabata penne pasta served with garlic bread. I would give this pub a second chance. The chef obviously cares about his cooking – perhaps he's just not that interested in salads. Also, with all mains at £8.95, it was good value for money.   Cancel