The Coopers Arms

Checked out the Coopers Arms last night,since a good friend of mine has recently moved to Weston.  It has been years since I last ate there and in that time the pub has been taken over by the next generation of Coopers, son James and daughter Amy.

It has always had a good reputation for it's carvery but a carvery didn't seem right on Saturday night (although plenty of folks were going for it) so we decided to eat à la carte.  The menu is very reasonably priced and varied, pub classics alongside a few more unusual dishes, with good fish and veggie options.

I had a smoked chicken salad with celeriac remoulade, chicory and paprkia croutons to start, whilst my dining partners shared bread and olives (greedy, moi?)

 For my main I had red pepper gnocchi with asparagus and halloumi, a delicious combination of unctuous gnocchi, fresh asparagus and salty,chargriled cheese in a rich coconut and coriander sauce.

The others had the herb crusted rack of lamb and mussels, both deemed excellent.

The pub was very busy, but staff managed well and were friendly and welcoming. With a log fire going and groups of people drinking in all the little nooks and crannies the atmosphere was most convivial.

The downstairs dining room lacked a little atmosphere with a slight cafeteria vibe but that could easily be rectified with some better lighting.

Heading back for a Sunday carvery in a few weeks.

http://www.thecoopers-arms.co.uk/