The Tamar Valley in Cornwall is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). On the scenic road from Callington to Gunnislake lies the village of St Ann’s Chapel where, on the main road, you will find The Rifle Volunteer. It began life as a mine captain’s house around 1800 and was subsequently converted to a coaching inn in the mid 19th century.
Today the pub continues with this tradition and is now a bar and restaurant where a modern conservatory commands majestic views over the Tamar Valley. With a decent sized car park, baby seats, an outdoor play area for children and indoor toys provided, this pub aims to be family friendly. We decided to put this to the test with a family meal as we passed through the area one Sunday.
The pub itself was easy to find being literally on the main road through St Ann’s Chapel and the sizeable car park made it easy to park up and unload the kids. The pub itself is attractive in its painted stonework. Inside there is a clear demarcation between what was the old pub and the new conservatory area where the bulk of the restaurant seating lies.
This blend of old and new really works really well and we particularly liked the sense of space with the backdrop of the stunning scenery through the conservatory windows.
The welcome was warm and friendly and we were made to feel at ease with exchanges between our young children and the proprietors who take a leading role in serving both behind the bar and in the restaurant section. Our assigned waiter, Will, was brilliant with just the right level of conversation and engagement with our children.
After grabbing a lovely pint of Tribute and some soft drinks, we were seated next to a window to enjoy the marvellous views down the Tamar Valley. When our adult starters arrived shortly after ordering, we called the kids in from the enclosed outside play area. This a safe and fun space that includes a large wooden train and balance beams. They both had great fun, so much so that they were a bit miffed at having been called back in for their meal! Thankfully they spied the toys on the shelves so helped themselves to some of the items there and took them back to the table. The toys were invaluable as it kept them occupied whilst we ate our starters.
I had the pate and caramelised onion on toast which was very tasty and just the right ratio of toast to pate. Mrs H had that 70s favourite, a ‘Seafood’ (prawn) cocktail, that had big succulent prawns accompanied with thick brown bread.
We ‘adults’ both had roast pork for our mains that, thankfully, came with decent sized Yorkshire Puddings along with ‘proper’ roast potatoes i.e. non deep fried, a stuffing ball, crackling and some rich and very tasty gravy. Vegetables were provided separately and included carrots, brussel sprouts, green beans and peas, lightly seasoned and just the right texture. We were pleased that extra gravy was provided in a small ceramic jug so no having to ask the waiter for extra!
Although the kids could have had ‘mini’ roasts we opted for another option on the two course (with drink included) Children’s Menu, the home-made chicken nuggets with chips and beans. The kids loved these and I can attest to their yumminess after secretly stealing a bite myself!
Mrs H had profiteroles for dessert whilst I had a delightful home-made apple pie and custard. The kids had the cookie and brownie as their last course and again, thoroughly enjoyed them.
At £7.95 each for the two course Children’s Menu and £15.95 each for the three course adult menu, we left the Rifle Volunteer feeling that we had received good value for money with some very tasty dishes and a cracking view to boot!
The Rifle Volunteer, The Square, St Ann’s Chapel, Gunnislake, Cornwall PL18 9HL
Telephone: 01822 833 038
Website: www.theriflevolunteer.co.uk
