The Boycott Arms 'Well worth the visit'

Sometimes you can stumble across a pub and wish it was your local, and that’s exactly what myself and best friend Debbie thought after visiting the Boycott Arms at Claverley.

Standing proud along the B4176 the stunning building is surrounded with outdoor seating and a large car park. As you enter the character continues, large fireplaces, traditional bar and plenty of places to sit. To the left of the bar is a lovely seating area for diners with comfy leather chairs. To the right, and almost separated from the rest of the pub, is a large and very grand ‘Riddle Room’ due to all its quirky riddles written on the walls. This is where the carvery is served and can be hired / used for any private function.

Leean and Conrad, both local to the Midlands have ran the Boycott Arms for nearly two years now and have spent that time completely rejuvenating this pub. Presenting the menus to us, Leean explained that everything, where possible, is home-cooked to order and they really pride themselves on this. Leean also mentioned they have become renowned for their Sunday carvery as the lamb they serve is, as quoted “out of this world” Debbie's ears soon perked up at this.

The menu and specials board have a superb selection of traditional starters and a varied mains menu with a grill selection, a large burger choice and a page filled with your pub classics that included belly pork, curries and much more. I also noticed a ‘special steak’ section and with 24 hours’ notice they can get you in T-bone, Tomahawk and steak challenges - this is where my ears perked up - my husband and I will travel far and wide for a good T-bone! The specials board offered another variety, there really was something for everyone including a great children’s menu and light bites 12noon – 3pm Tuesday -Friday, with all dishes priced at £4.95, 2 can dine for less than £10! The Boycott Arms really do boast value and quality.

After a good look through and much debate, my mind was set on a burger whilst Deb couldn’t resist the lamb shank off the specials board. With two large mains ordered we decided to share a starter as we were both set on the stilton mushrooms. Served on toasted bread the juicy mushrooms were smothered in a creamy pepper and stilton sauce, a great combination of textures and flavours and served with a generous portion of fresh salad.

With our starter enjoyed it was on to the mains. Debs lamb shank sat on a bed of thick creamy mash and was covered in a minted lamb gravy with fresh veg, it looked amazing and you could see the lamb just fell off the bone. “Full of flavour and totally delicious” Deb described her luscious lamb. The mint didn’t overpower the gravy and simply enhanced all the flavours, with the mash being so creamy and thick - total potato perfection. With it being a large portion, much to my surprise Deb didn’t leave a bit, and simply said, it was far too good to leave any!

So, I had opted for the burger, but not just any burger – The Boycott Ultimate Stacker burger! Wow, so from the bottom a whole succulent chicken breast was topped with crispy onions, thick tasty bacon and cheddar cheese, then a meaty beef burger, again topped with yet more thick tasty bacon and cheddar cheese, topped with BBQ pulled pork, and of course the bap! I was in burger heaven, especially with the accompanying crispy onion rings, coleslaw and proper homecooked chips! I knew I wouldn’t finish it but who cared, this was the ultimate burger and just to taste it was an experience.

Everything was so tasty, the chicken was bursting with flavour and was delicious with the bacon, cheese and onions, the burger succulent, each ingredient complimenting the other especially the juicy pulled pork which I did take out to enjoy with the chips. The chips were pure perfection. This must be the best burger I have tasted in years. Although defeated half way through I was delighted when they offered to box the rest up for me to take home, to my husband’s delight, he described the burger as “incredible.”

Despite very full tummies we both decided we would opt for a dessert, especially knowing they were priced at only £3.95. We discussed sharing but as I wanted the crumble of the day and Deb wanting the chocolate fudge cake, two desserts were soon ordered.

Beautifully presented and rather large portions I was sure we wouldn’t finish, but before I could blink Deb had devoured her chocolate fudge cake describing it as rich, moist and simply sensational. My crumble was perfect, a really good texture with warm apple and pouring cream over the top, very clear it was homemade!

As we sat back and relaxed we saw a neighbouring diner have the fish and chips delivered to his table, both of our eyes popped out of our head at the pure size of the fish, it looked stunning and was enough to make me want to return. We also learnt that all meals are available for take away especially the Sunday carvery, what a perfect option for those in a rush or not wanting to dine out!

The Boycott Arms is a truly remarkable pub that I really do wish was on my doorstep!

The Boycott Arms

Upper Ludstone

Claverly,

Wolverhampton

WV5 7DH

Tel: 01746 710479

Web: www.boycottarmsclaverley.co.uk

Facebook: The Boycott Arms