TUCKED away behind one of Weymouth’s busiest roads, the Bridge Inn can be found in a surprisingly idyllic setting.

The traditional pub is set in large gardens with a children’s play area, a stream running through the grounds with a bridge over it.

When we arrived there were other diners in the restaurant but as it was a warm day we chose to eat outside.

The large outdoor eating area is tucked in between picturesque cottages with the bubbling River Jordan running through.

The pub is built of Purbeck Stone, which gives it a quality, traditional feel and the only blot on an otherwise perfect landscape was some junk stored up against the wall and slightly tired décor inside the large, spacious indoor dining area.

Starters included soup of the day (£4.95) and duck or prawn spring rolls (£5.25) but we went straight in for a main course to save room for dessert.

My dining partner was going to order the liver, bacon and sausage from a menu packed with traditional pub choices.

But we spotted the specials board and neither of us could resist the home-made luxury fish pie (£8.95), especially when the barmaid informed us that it had been freshly made that morning.

Other specials included a Bridge combo to share (£7.95) with chicken goujons, scampi, garlic bread, crispy coated mushrooms, potato wedges and onion rings, served with dips.

Tender lamb shank was tempting (£11.45) with a red wine and rosemary gravy, served with creamy mash potatoes and seasonal vegetables, as was the home-made cottage pie (£8.45).

On the main menu, chicken dishes included a curry (£8.95) and there was also grill (from £9.95) and salad options (from £5.50).

If the fish pie is anything to go by it, the specials board seemed to offer great fresh food that the chef has taken time to prepare.

A deliciously crispy topping of caramelised leak and sliced potato led the way to generous helpings of cod, salmon and prawns in a cheese sauce.

All the seafood tasted fresh and the seasonal vegetables enhanced the feeling that this was a locally-sourced and created dish.

Vegetarian choices included a Greek-style vegetable lasagne or the potato, cheese and onion bake (both £8.45).

We were spoiled for choice with dessert options of treacle, jam or chocolate sponge, lemon meringue pie, apple pie – served hot and with cream, custard or ice cream for the reasonable price of £3.50 – or cheese and biscuits.

I opted for the intriguingly-named toffee bomb which turned out to be exceptionally sweet toffee ice cream in a toffee casing with chocolate sauce.

My dining partner chose treacle sponge and custard and was impressed with the prompt and friendly service.

The puddings were tasty but lacked the home-made quality that made the fish pie a delight.

All in all it was a gorgeous spot to enjoy a quiet lunch in the sunshine.

The Bill

Lemonade & lime x2: £2.40

Home made luxury fish pie x2: £17.90

Toffee bomb: £3.50

Treacle sponge: £3.50

TOTAL: £27.30