It had been a busy week at the midway point and there was more on the horizon, so a Wednesday eating out was perfect.

Me, my son and my dad usually book ahead but we decided last minute to wing it, and head to the Britannia Inn, in Halkyn, after I'd heard good reports from friends.

It's a great looking place, only bettered by the far reaching views over the Dee Estuary.

We chose a table by one of the big windows and checked out the menu brought over by the friendly waitress, who was also manning the bar, and doing both smoothly and with a smile.

The menu featured several pub classics but there were also some surprises, linguine pesce for one, and a better-than-average vegetarian selection. There was also a range of steak, children's menu and sides.

As I've mentioned from our previous trips out, my son has his menu favourites and this occasion was no different: cheesy garlic bread to start, followed by burger (with added bacon and cheese) and chips.

My dad and I were clearly on the same wavelength, both choosing battered haggis to start, and homemade steak and Guinness pie, chips and peas to follow.

When the food arrived it had us gobsmacked.

The garlic bread was in pizza style and huge, resulting in one happy pre-teen. I pinched a taste and it was devilishly moreish. The haggis was nothing short of gargantuan! Two big portions (almost bread roll sized each) in a nice quite light and crispy batter with sweet chilli sauce and salad. Each.

The sauce was a great teammate to the peppery haggis, an absolute winner for me. It was a big and I could probably have called it a day right there. These starters were not far off being main events themselves and we were filling up.

But onwards it was.

The next course was no less impressive. Burger boy's jaw dropped at the sight of his, they'd not scrimped on the added cheese or bacon and the chips were not only plentiful but looked incredibly delicious.

Our steak pies arrived with no less of a first impression. We had plenty of our own chips too. The individually baked pies were topped with shortcrust pastry, and once inside, there was loads of filling and ample gravy to join those chips.

Me and dad both finished our plates but we were full beyond belief, knowing we really could have done with skipping a few chips each.

Although to be fair, dad had eaten quite a bit of the burger after our youngest diner had to admit defeated.

Today was definitely not going to be a pudding day. In fact, we dared not even look.

I'd gone expecting simple pub grub but this was a step above that. You can tell they take pride in what they produce, and it's all very wholesome and satisfying.

I'll be back for sure but will I ever reach dessert? It's a mission I'm happy to take.

Britannia Inn, Halkyn Tel: 01352 781564

Food 8/10

Service 9/10

Ambience 8/10

Children welcome yes

Wheelchair access yes