HALFWAY HOUSE, Whittle-le-Woods TURNING up the the Halfway House for Sunday tea at 4.30pm reminded me of arriving at somebody's house for a party two hours early. The place was wonderfully decorated for Christmas and the dining area, partially inside a giant conservatory, was immaculately set out.

But it was empty, save for a few afternoon TV football hangers-on in the bar area and a family of three who appeared to be dallying over their choice of sweets for so long I wouldn't have been surprised if they'd been there since noon.

Add to that the slight chill in the air, even though the radiators were on, and things didn't bode well.

Fortunately we were soon perked up by the sight of good food, as normally happens we members of my family.

My starter of breaded mushrooms was one step above the usual "oh no, not breaded mushrooms" you usually get in pubs. And the garnish, complete with raddish, peppers and tomatoes, and a portion of crispy garlic bread (£1 more but worth it) soon made everything seem a lot rosier. Now I am always a bit dubious of pub restaurant Sunday roasts, which conjure up an image of meat lying around all day and microwaved vegetables, but my choice here was none of those things.

Three thick slices of roast lamb, roast and boiled spuds, three vegetables and nice, hot gravy, complete with mint sauce -- superb.

A traditional apple pie sweet completed the feast and just left me to puzzle on one thing. Why wasn't the place heaving with folk? I can only assume they were still full from their last visit or busy getting dressed up to come again! Still, turn the heating up in the conservatory, please.

Food ****

Drink***

Service ***

Atmosphere *

Car Parking ****