There is nothing remotely military about this pub/restaurant in Great Gonerby, despite its slightly intimidating name.
So whatever you do, soldier, don’t let the title put you off giving it your full attention.
It’s a comfortable, cosy place with the full five hygenie stars (military perfection?) and with more than 20 people in the restaurant on a Monday lunchtime, deservedly popular.
And no wonder. The prices are pitched just right and with special offers on top, represent unbelievably good value - for instance, the Golden Years menu (no age restrictions mind) provides slightly smaller - suitable for lunch - portions and you get two courses for £5.95 and three for £7.95. And the Sunday roast - get this - is three courses for just £11.95.
The service at bar and table was upbeat and cheerful and the three meals arrived altogether a regimental 10 minutes after the orders had been taken.
I went for the scampi with chips and salad, one of the most expensive meals on the menu at £8.25. The scampi was cooked just right - too many times it can be overdone - and the salad had lots of ingredients. The chips - thick and a golden yellow - were epic...just a hint of crispness on the outside and a warm floury flavour inside. I wished I’d had the Golden Years portion because this one beat me, I regretfully left half-a-dozen chips and half the salad.
One of my companions - on a diet - opted for the roast ham and pineapple salad (£6.50) with crusty bread. She described the ham as lovely and the meal overall much better quality than you would expect from a pub.
The other guest went for pan fried Cajun spiced chicken baquette with salad and chips, a proper bargain for £6.50. He said the chicken was “nice and spicy, but not too hot” and agreed with my assessment of the chips - crisp and golden delicious.
The pub puts on themed evenings - a Greek Night and Jazz Night were advertised on the boards. But you don’t need a special reason to stand to attention and salute this particular sergeant.
xxxx½ (out of five)