THE Coach and Horses, Castleton, was busy with all sorts of customers, from families and groups of pensioners to men enjoying a quiet meal alone, when I visited recently.

The menu offered a wide selection of meat and fish dishes, plus about three vegetarian options.

To start, I shared a plate of nachos smothered in tasty salsa, sour cream and cheese, with my friend.

And for the main course I chose the salmon and prawns, served with chunky chips and salad.

The dish was supposed to come with king prawns in shells, but as they had run out the waitress offered me the ginger prawns in breadcrumbs from the starter menu, which were very tasty.

My friend had the 'celebration' sirloin steak, which was covered in stilton cheese, and also came with fat chips and a side salad.

The portions were generous and we could not fault the food in any way. There was an extensive dessert menu, which we just had to sample despite being full.

I chose the apple sponge pudding, served hot with custard, and my friend went for the chocolate fudge sundae.

These were just as substantial, and we could barely move from our seats after finishing the meal.

Together with two large glasses of red wine, the meal came to £40.65. The Coach and Horses, on the main road through Castleton, offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy good food at a reasonable price. Rhiannon Beacham