LocalS in Shortlanesend near Truro have a little secret, but I’m about to let the cat out of the bag and I don’t think they’ll thank me for doing so! writes Georgina Carter If you are planning a meal out, or you’re heading to Truro for a spot of retail therapy, take the time to pop into the Old Plough Inn, where you’ll discover a family pub with bags of charm.

We headed over on a bright spring day for a spot of lunch and were greeted by new owners Mark Harry and Ian Crewes, who took over the inn a short time ago. The pair have brought in a fresh approach – from home-cooked food, a wide choice of beers and ales and a very warm welcome.

The first thing you notice in the spacious bar area is that this is your good old traditional inn - there’s a pool table, dining area and a log fire for when the cold creeps in. There’s also a popular pub quiz.

We were the first in for the lunch service, and on picking our spot by the window we perused the menu. By the time we had finished reading, the dining area had already started to fill up with couples, business people and families, adding a friendly bustle to the atmosphere.

With a wide menu from sandwiches and light bites to more hearty dishes, such as lasagne and build your own burgers, there is plenty on the menu to please all tastes including a number of vegetarian options.

I opted for a steak baguette (loaded with onions), my colleague Emma plumped for the home-made steak and ale pie. There are lots of home-made options on the menu, ensuring that your food is fresh and delicious. Chatting ceased as we tucked in, Emma’s pie making me wish I too had had the same. With a light puff pastry lid and packed full of meat it was a filling choice for lunch. My baguette too did not disappoint or scrimp on steak and came with a light side salad.

I know that dessert isn’t a normal thing to have at lunch time, but I really think it could catch on. We shared a hot chocolate fudge cake with cream that threatened to destroy our waistlines, but it was worth it.

As a mum of a toddler, I have found that many ‘family’ pubs don’t actually cater that well to younger children and refers more to a child’s menu and maybe a giant jenga. However, the Old Plough is striving to ensure they hit all the right notes with visitors with a large beer garden, outdoor games, a colour-in menu (with many children’s artworks proudly displayed on the walls) and most importantly of all, room to change your little ones as well as a toilet ring for toddlers. Until you have a potty training child, you cannot know what joy this sight brings!

The chatter among locals is always a good thing to listen to, and here it appears to be full of praise. One said: “We have our local back.”

I have a feeling that this ‘local’ might have to get used to having ‘locals’ from far and wide.

See www.oldplough.

co.uk or call 01872 27300.