We try a big value Sunday roast at a popular Birmingham neighbourhood pub following its major refurb

You can’t beat a Sunday roast in a British pub - it’s a time honoured tradition, an end of weekend treat and a hearty way to prepare for the week to come.

Whether you like beef, pork, chicken or turkey is your preferred meat - or any one of the growing number of vegetarian options - it’s the ultimate comfort food, when it’s done right.

It’s no good if the meat isn’t cooked right or the vegetables are off - this is a culinary masterpiece that has to ooze with homely goodness. With the traditional dish being so popular it’s no wonder that so many venues across Birmingham are serving it up.

We got an invite to try out the new food at the recently renovated pub, The Cambridge, in Longbridge, which includes Sunday roasts. This is a Hungry Horse venue, the pub restaurant chain with a reputation of good value meals owned by Greene King.

Situated in the developing Longbridge Town Centre, it has got a bit of competition with Herbert’s Yard street food emporium just across the way. But unlike Herbert’s, The Cambridge is open seven days a week, from 8am to 11am, with the kitchen closing at 9pm - it's definitely a different vibe to the Digbeth Dining Club. There's a Beefeater, Premeir Inn, huge Marks & Spencers and lots more nearby too.

The Cambridge boasts an extensive breakfast menu, children's menu, curry and a drink menu, wings ‘n’ things, baguettes and wraps, pub classics, super specials and more. It was difficult to decide which to go for, but we hadn’t ventured out for a Sunday roast in a while, so this appeared to be a perfect opportunity.

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We booked a table for 2pm and we were promptly met at the dining area as soon as we arrived. It’s a popular spot - that’s for sure. Families and friends were gathered around tables tucking into some delicious looking dishes,

The staff were so friendly and attentive while showing us to our table and explaining how the restaurant works. Basically, the menus are on the tables, which are numbered, then you choose what you want and order and pay at the bar. Then the kitchen staff bring out your food - nice and simple!

What struck us first was the incredible value for money available. The options - topside of beef, roast turkey or cashew nut roast - were £9.29 each, or you could get two for the bargain price of £15.49. You can go large for £2 more and get extra meat or nut roast.

No wonder it was so busy! But would the dinners be worth the money? No point in bargain prices if the quality isn’t up to scratch! Well it was quick and easy to order at the bar.

There were three of us and two of us went for the beef and our friend chose the turkey. We included a large rioja, a small rioja and a small pinot blush and got a jug of tap water as well.

We were initially told that there was a 30 minute to 40 minute wait for food, which wasn’t a problem - we had our drinks to keep us occupied. In any case, we didn’t have to wait for that long before our meals arrived - and they were an impressive sight.

Beef with a touch of gravy, a generous portion of mashed potato, roast potato, green beans, cauliflower, peas, yorkshire pudding, stuffing, gravy boat and horseradish.

It was like Christmas all over again. Our meals tasted as good as they looked - hearty and wholesome. We were all particularly impressed with the huge array of vegetables. The meat was tasty too and with all the veg, we were all happy enough without the go large option.

The only gripe on our table was a lack of cauliflower cheese, it wasn’t from me though, the vegetables were perfectly cooked, nice and fresh without being soggy or too hard.

Next up came our desserts. Luckily our waitress was on hand with a couple of recommendations which included The Horseshoe Doughnut (£6.79). We saw one going past and it did look pretty epic and in the interests of research I decided to try one out.

My two friends chose Millionaire’s Cheesecake (£5.99) and Apple and Berry crumble served with hot custard (£5.29). I popped up to the bar and made my order which was taken promptly. We added an espresso, Americano and latte which we self served from the coffee machines at the side after paying.

Well The Horseshoe Doughnut truly was an experience. It was huge, packed full of ice cream, with fresh strawberries, a touch of cream and sandwiched between a perfectly portioned doughnut. I loved the bright pink Barbie look icing which added an extra sugar hit.

No need to ask anyone to share with me. I managed it all - just about! My friends both reported back that they enjoyed their desserts also, although the one who had the crumble added she would have liked to have had a little more crumble.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to The Cambridge in Longbridge Town Centre which offered tip top value for money - it was just as well we were all hungry as horses! We look forward to returning for another meal soon.