WE are not normally to be found snacking in public houses but continuing our quest for bargain meals we couldn’t resist this offer: Monday to Friday, two lunches for £9.95 seemed unbelievable.

This road house was quite busy when we arrived. Although we looked carefully, we could not detect how to gain wheelchair access but, in the management’s defence, we did not ask.

A real fire was burning. We chose to sit on a banquette so to view what was happening around us. Orders were to be placed at the bar and brought to the table by two cheerful assistants.

The offer printed on a separate menu was extensive. Surely there must be something for almost every palate, although vegetarian options were limited.

Many items on the special menu are also listed on the standard menu at a significantly higher price.

The choice was so extensive we had difficulty making a decision. The range included melts, a roast, jacket potatoes with a variety of fillings, liver with onions, chicken Kiev, vegetable Kiev, lasagne and three different fish.

There was also creamy cheese and broccoli bake which appeared at £6.55 on the standard menu. There was the option of having your vegetables crispy or softer.

Ann pondered on the giant Yorkshire pudding with sausage and onion gravy, but finally decided to try the lamb and mint pudding. She was not disappointed. This was served on a square plate with half a dozen baby roast potatoes on the plate. In addition, she was given a separate dish of new potatoes, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. And there was an individual gravy boat. The vegetables had been requested on the soft side and they were just that.

My chicken and ham pie and roast potatoes was equally delicious, served with chips and peas plus an individual gravy boat. On the standard menu, this was priced £6.75.

With our meal being a special offer we might have expected smaller portions, but this did not seem to be the case. So much so that we had to decline the invitation to try a pudding. Although there were sandwiches, burgers and salads on the menu, it seemed that everyone within our line of sight was tucking in to one of the special items. Judging by the conversation between tables and with the roving landlord, many of the customers were regulars. This is always a good sign.

The A64 at the Four Alls is a busy and fast section of road and we were quite prepared to turn left out of the car park.

However we found midweek the traffic was light enough for us, with patience, to turn towards York and return home well and truly satisfied. And only £9.95 out of pocket.