The George Stephenson
 Redwood Way, Walsall

The George Stephenson on Redwood Way, Walsall re-opened its doors on Monday 27th August following a total refurbishment both inside and out.
Manager, Anthony Purcell, is thrilled with the results. “Locals won’t recognise the place!” he said. “It’s easier to list what isn’t new than to try to list all the changes!" The re-furbished pub boasts new interiors, new plasma screens, new seating and new outdoor areas. There is a new Sports Bar where locals can enjoy a child-free zone complete with a darts board for enjoying a friendly game of darts. The three new plasma screens mean that customers can watch key sporting events on Sky throughout the year whilst enjoying their favourite pint or tipple and soak up that great sporting atmosphere!

Alternatively, there’s a great new dining area for those wishing to enjoy their meal in more traditional style which offers a separate bar for diners or drinkers seeking a less sporting environment. We decided to try out this comfortable and stylish area when we went to sample what Head Chefs Daniel Purcell and Rebecca Jenkins have to offer.

We were greeted by a friendly, smiling waitress who showed us to a table and left us to peruse the extensive menu.  The George Stephenson has a special "two for one" offer on all main meals all day, everyday which certainly makes this quality eating for half the price. Prices for starters begin at £1.95 for the unusual choice of a bowl of marinated olives through to £3.75 for Smoked Haddock and Mozzarella Fish Cake or there are exciting - sounding Spicy Combos or Nachos to share for various prices up to £10.45 for four to share. Robert had Breaded Mushrooms and I decided to have the "traditional" old favourite Prawn Cocktail.  Both were delicious and this was quite the largest Prawn Cocktail I had ever seen - served on a large plate with half a crusty baguette - it would almost have been enough as a main course. For the main course, Robert chose the Mixed Grill which contained all that you could hope and, at £12.75, this is one of the most expensive dishes on the menu.  I went for Scampi (£7.95) and received a generous portion which was well cooked and presented.

It says a lot about the size of the portions in that neither of us could manage a pudding so had to forgo the delights of such as Bramley Apple Pie, Sticky Toffee Pudding or, for those who like to share - Cinnamon Waffle & Chocolate Brownie Sharing Dessert. Instead, we opted for a cup of Fairtrade coffee.

There is also a choice of smaller main courses for those with lesser appetites (perhaps then you would feel able to tackle the Mega Sundae at £5.25!) as well  as a range of burgers, salads, jacket potatoes and snacks. A Sunday Roast is available for £9.35 with a special  Junior version.  The Children’s menu is also packed full of nutritious and tempting dishes including carrot and cucumber dippers to start, chicken and vegetable pie served with mashed potato, peas and gravy for mains and to finish, apple and banana wedges with custard and toffee flavoured sauce.

The garden area offers tabled seating in a beer garden style environment. On wetter days, smokers can enjoy an all-new sheltered outdoor area to the side and the front where, no matter what the weather, they can enjoy a visit without feeling the chill!

A free Wi-Fi service is available, allowing customers to wirelessly surf the net whilst relaxing.

So, for a "local" that offers just that little bit more, why not visit The George Stephenson?