Free wine for diners at transformed Waggon at Halam in Wednesday’s Chad

In what was previously a country pub hidden on the road between Farnsfield and Southwell, a transformation has taken place.

Some of the traditional elements remain, but this pub has undergone an overhaul in decor bringing a touch of chic to the style stakes complete with crushed velvet, leather, mirrors and glass.

Unlike many village pubs, The Waggon hasn’t simply turned into a diner’s paradise but has space allocated for drinkers too, with high rise tables and stools, perfect for groups who just want to sample the beers and wines on offer.

And there is a good selction of both to tempt the tipplers from real ale to New Zealand Savignon Blanc.

The dining ‘Parlour’ is to one side of the bar in its own designated area but still remains a part of the pub.

I went along with my family late afternoon on a Sunday, just before the five o’clock cut off, which I find is always a real test.

Will we be served the leftover dried-up meats that no-one else selected and presented with vegetables that may have still resembled their original shape and texture at 2pm but by 5pm have become something the dog would even reject?

The answer was a resounding NO! It was clearly all freshly made food, prepared and cooked just for us.

And we certainly challenged the chef as all four of us chose something different. My husband had the beef, I picked the pork, William selected the sausages and Grace fought for fish.

The fish was a special and even when I asked if this could be a children’s portion, I was surprised when the chef agreed it could be.

We were all delighted with our meals when they arrived, even my extremely fussy son declared top marks, which is like Greg Wallace giving the thumbs up in Masterchef. I think the real result for him was when he came face to face with the huge, crispy Yorkshire pudding perched atop his sausages.

Now it’s not very often these days that I succumb to a dessert but in the interests of giving a full review I thought it only fair.

Many dining rooms, whether pub grub or expensive eateries, let themselves down at this stage by serving up some factory produced fodder.

But not here. The desserts are all home-made and carefully crafted creating a delicious sense of drama as we all sang our oohs and aahhs and mmms in appreciation of a treacle tart, chocolate brownie and profiteroles.

Our overall experience at The Waggon was excellent from the welcome to the service, food to its surroundings it proved a hootin tootin time.

Reservations for the Parlour are recommended on 01636 813109. For details of up and coming events including Speciality Dining Evenings visit www.waggonhalam.co.uk.

If you would like to try for yourself what The Waggon at Halam is like, then cut out the voucher in your Chad to claim a free bottle of house wine on their Evening or Sunday lunch menus as a reader offer.

The following conditions apply:Available on the Evening Menu, Monday to Thursday from 5-9pm (Not valid Fridays and Saturdays), bookings recommended.

Also available on Sunday Lunch menu served 12-5pm Sundays. Bookings recommended.

Minimum of two main course meals must be purchased. One complimentary bottle of house red or white wine per table maximum.

Voucher must be presented to our waiting staff at the start of the meal.

Not valid in conjunction with any other offer.

Management reserve the rights to withdraw the offer. Over 18s only.

Valid until Thursday 14th August 2014.