IT'S been years since I have visited the Hand Hotel in Chirk and I have to say on that occasion a quick morning coffee turned into a bit of a farce as I ended up literally holding a staff member's baby.

Thankfully that was long ago and things have changed for the better .

When I asked my Mum where she would like to go for Sunday dinner she said my sister had recommended The Hand as she sometimes pops in there for lunch and cannot fault it.

So The Hand it was and we were not disappointed.

Located in the beautiful Ceiriog Valley in Chirk The Hand Hotel has been providing accommodation and food to travellers from far and wide for nearly 400 years.

Residents and non-residents are welcomed into the bar and restaurant.

I am a traditional girl and love a Sunday roast, which I sadly have to say I don't have very often. With the children now all grown up and my partner working most Sundays the good old fashion Sunday roast has not been attempted in a long while.

So when it came to slipping back into old habits I did not complain..

The choice of meats was excellent from chicken to pork and lamb, there was also a vegetarian option too but for me and my mum we both had to have the beef.

Not wanting to be too greedy we decided to go straight for the main course and it is a good job we did as the plates appeared piled high with plenty of succulent beef, a huge Yorkshire pudding and an excellent selection of seasonal vegetables including boiled and roast potatoes. The vegetables were not over cooked, my only criticism would be I like my roasties a bit more crunchy.

What I liked was extra gravy being brought to the table without us even having to ask.

The service from entering the hotel to leaving was excellent.

The waitress was efficient and accommodating and I was interested to see staff being trained on how to lay tables correctly and deal with customers.

All too often these days it is the standard of service that lets establishment like the Hand down but not here.

Needless to say we were both full to the brim after our delicious meals but managed to end an enjoyable afternoon with an Americano.

I won't think twice about going back to The Hand for food as their daily menu also seemed appealing and the service was spot on.

How it rated:

The Hand Hotel, Church Street, Chirk. Tel: 01691 773472

Ambience - 8

Service - 9

Food quality - 8

Children welcome - yes

Disabled access - yes