THIS review was going to be about the food at the Holly Bush, Little Leigh, but all my plans went out of the window within 30 seconds of walking in there at 7.15pm on a Saturday.

I knew things weren't looking good when the waitress who I hoped would show me to my table instead turned to one of her colleagues and announced there was an hour's delay with food orders.

When I asked if there was any chance of a table for two, I was asked if I had made a reservation. I hadn't of course, and was promptly told they were only taking people who had booked.

That was that, then. No review of the Holly Bush.

More than a little disappointed, my companion and I were left with no option but to find somewhere else to eat. It was back into the car and off down the A49 to the Fox and Barrel at Cotebrook.

And the Holly Bush's loss was very much our gain.

The Fox and Barrel proved to be an absolute delight. The staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming without being pushy or intrusive, the dining room was tastefully decorated and the food was quite outstanding - much better than I would have expected from a main road pub.

I should have guessed that it would be as it has won awards for its catering in the past.

My companion opted for the soup of the day, broccoli and Stilton at £4.25. Being a creature of habit I plumped for the baked Portobello mushrooms with Stilton and smoked cheese at £4.75 - I will always go for the cheese and mushroom option if I find it on a menu.

I was a bit disappointed to learn the pub had been let down with it's deliveries' and there weren't any Portobello mushrooms but I was happy to settle for the same dish made with ordinary mushrooms.

Prices for main courses range from £9.25 for lasagne up to £17.25 for the classic tournedo Rossini.

I went for the pan-seared venison at £15.95 - a meal not for the faint-hearted. The venison was stuffed with sage and black pudding and was served on honey-roasted root vegetables and finished with a rich cranberry sauce and blackberry compote.

At first glance, there seemed too many strong flavours competing with each other but my empty plate gave evidence to the fact this meal really worked.

My companion's choice was for the mint and mustard encrusted rack of lamb served with a combination of mashed potatoes, sausage, bacon, spring onion and parsley at £15.25.

I was really impressed with the way our waiter insisted the meat could be cooked exactly as my partner wanted it (she's not too keen on very rare meat). I've eaten in some restaurants where we've been told the chef won't ruin' dishes by overcooking meat. Even when we've asked for it to be well done, it's arrived at our table almost with a pulse.

Main courses at the Fox and Barrel are served with fresh vegetables but side orders are available. We didn't need any.

By this stage, I was full but my companion ordered the cheeseboard for afters. And what a work of art it was, beautifully presented with fruit and pickles.

There weren't any children eating while we were there so I can't testify as to how child-friendly the Fox and Barrel is.

I'd like to make a final plea to all eating establishments. Please keep your website up to date.

If your menu changes, please change it on your website. This is the second review I have written with out of date information on the web.