FOR good hearty fare the Spyglass at Overcombe Corner is an excellent venue and the magnificent views across the bay to Portland are an added bonus.

The pub is famed for its roasts and that certainly seemed to be the case as one of the food counters catered exclusively for them.

And tales of queues out of the door on Sundays as people battle to find a table certainly prove their popularity. We were there, however, on a not very busy Friday lunchtime and endured a bit of a wait for our starters.

But once we had had a quick chat with our cheery waitress everything came along quickly.

I began with the Indian nibbles – a selection of poppadoms and samosas with a variety of chutneys and raitas and very tasty it was too. My wife opted for the mushrooms on toast with stilton and peppercorn sauce at £3.45, which was deliciously rich.

Other starters include butterfly king prawns (£3.45), battered soy and ginger chicken (£3.55) and black pudding and bacon fritters (£3.45).

For the main course I chose the traditional old favourite, fish and chips, accompanied by mushy peas (£5.35), which was more than pleasing.

Debbie chose the Somerset brie and beetroot tart (£5.99) which she pronounced very tasty, with wonderfully crisp herby pastry.

The extensive list of mains has something for everyone, including a variety of burgers – from bean to the famous ‘tower’ – from £4.99 to £7.99. There is also the likes of sausage and mash (£4.99), red snapper (£6.75), lamb tagine (£6.99), beef lasagne (£4.99), scampi (£4.99) or Wexford chicken at £6.25.

There is a variety of curries, including Thai, Thai red chicken, chicken tikka masala and beef (from £4.99 to £6.99); a selection of salads all under six quid and – for those wanting a little more – there’s steak and eggs at £9.45 and surf and turf (£9.50).

The famous roasts are available every day at just £4.75 (or £7.25 on Sundays) with a choice of gammon, beef, belly pork, turkey or lamb shoulder, but sadly, it appears, nothing for vegetarians.

We didn’t have time for a pudding, but all the usual suspects are available – apple pie, sticky toffee, Eton mess, plus the unusual Turkish Delight cheesecake (all under £4) and the mega tuck shop sundae that features Flake, mint Aero, Munchies, double chocolate fudge cake, vanilla/choc chip ice cream, cream and chocolate sauce.

Yours for £6.25, but you’ll definitely need someone to share it.

While the Spyglass’s fare can hardly be called fine dining, it has an excellent reputation for its food and it is fantastic value for money.

Our bill came to less than £20, without drinks. And the wine is reasonable too, whites and reds ranging from £11.60 to around £16.

For a family meal, therefore, it cannot often be bettered – something the weekend crowds prove in spades.

• The Spyglass in Bowleaze Cove Way, Weymouth is open Monday - Saturday 11am - 11pm. Sunday noon - 10.30pm. Call 01305 833141 or email spyglassinn@orchidpubs.co.uk

The Bill

Indian nibbles £2.50

Stilton mushroom £3.45

Fish and chips £5.35

Somerset brie tart £5.99

TOTAL: £17.22