Eating out every two weeks has become a bit of a regular occurrence for me, using it as an excuse to visit new places or revisit old favourites.

My dining companions are always my 11-year-old son (through whom I now have a very well stocked back catalogue of burgers in their many guises) and my dad, although we welcome others into the fold on occasion.

I was struggling to think of somewhere for our most recent trip out, until a colleague came back from interviewing a local gin brewer at the Piccadilly Inn, in Caerwys, raving about how lovely it looked and how welcoming the people were. Sorted.

It was a very miserable and wet Thursday, and I was more than happy not to be cooking but I was driving, so sampling said gin was going to have to wait.

The Piccadilly Inn looks just how you imagine a village pub to look, although we all know Caerwys is officially a town of course. But what it has that a lot of others don't, is oodles of parking, with spaces out front and a large car park to the rear. It's this that also offers up the pub's links to the equine world.

There's a lovely back story to the Piccadilly Inn, which I shan't spoil but it's one of those great, charming tales we're so good at in Britain.

Checking in at the bar, we were shown to our table in the restaurant.

There's a real country vibe here, the decor is classy, eccentric and homely all at once.

Drinks ordered, we took our first look at the menu. It's fair to say I really didn't know where to start, so many delicious sounding options but choices had to be made.

I went for veg pakoras with chickpea dahl, lentil wafer, mint yoghurt, mango puree and pickled red onion; dad the black pudding Scotch egg with celeriac remoulade and sun-blushed tomatoes; and offspring, a portion of cheesy garlic bread from the sides options.

All arrived to a trio of ooohs and aaahs. The food here is so pretty, it's almost a shame to dismantle it but we tucked straight in. Dad's egg was warm with a soft centre, simply perfect. The garlic bread was a huge portion, and we all got to try it. There's no half measures here apparently. My pakora was sensational, I didn't want it to end. It was sweet and spicy, and frankly, an absolute a joy. Hopes were high for the main event.

Dad had chosen pie of the day - in this case turkey and ham - with mash, veg, red cabbage and lashings of gravy. The pie was enormous, and what I call a proper pie, with pastry all the way round, top, side and bottom. None of that stew with a pastry lid caper!

The pre-teen chose steak burger (of course) with bacon, cheddar, coleslaw and chunky chips - although the salad dodger asked for no greenery or coleslaw, and an unexpected nice touch was £1 was taken off the bill to match this. The hug pattie and soft bun were topped off with a nice big onion ring.

Following on from my veggie starter, I picked butternut squash risotto with pumpkin puree, beetroot dust, sage and parmesan crisps. I'd no idea beetroot dust was a thing but it was a beautiful addition, and really made what could be a bland looking dish, pop. The entire plate was cleaned and I was a big smug at feeling full but with a smidge of room for dessert, while the fellas were struggling.

My dad is rarely beaten by food, hollow legs type usually, but he declared pudding would not be happening for him.

As the plates were cleared away, we politely said we'd take a cursory glance at the dessert menu.

Cue three third courses ordered.

The youth of today went for Belgian double chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream, and it was gone before I even got to sample it.

Despite his body screaming otherwise, my dad went for chef's crumble of the day - spiced apple - served with a big jug of custard. This was no teeny portion of classic crumble and an unheard of event followed. Dad couldn't finish it. Well done Piccadilly Inn, well done indeed. It did mean I got to have a sample and it was wonderful, like a bowl full of Christmas.

I eyed up the warm ginger cake with Guinness ice cream but in the end chose dark chocolate mousse, honeycomb, dulce du leche and salted caramel. It was a feast for the eyes. The mousse was tucked away inside a crisp, chocolate pyramid, which I took great delight in cracking open and the chunks of honeycomb were gooey and melted in the mouth. Incredibly moreish.

We were more than satisfied with our meal. There was nothing to pick fault with, even if we were to split hairs. The amount of other diners on a wet midweek evening was testament to the place's success.

It's fair to say our visit to the Piccadilly Inn exceeded expectations and I wondered how I'd missed this gem for so long. It's a step up from your typical pub food, possibly a leap, and I've raved about it ever since.

A return visit is a guarantee, after all, I've that ginger pudding and gin to experience.

The Piccadilly Inn, North Street, Caerwys CH7 5AW Tel: 01352 720284

Food 10/10

Service 9/10

Ambience 8/10

Children welcome - yes

Wheelchair access - yes