I WAS not sure what to expect from the Fir Tree Inn at Dunhampstead, near Droitwich. Fifteen years ago I was a regular there, but since then the pub has changed hands a number of times and has been refurbished.

Whatever I was anticipating, it was not the sign which declared the Fir Tree Inn now also boasts a Murderers Bar.

Top marks for intrigue, I thought, vaguely remembering a grisly tale about nearby Oddingley and was keen to find out more.

My partner was hungry, though, so we went straight to our table.

The restaurant had probably doubled in size since my last visit but we were alone until six other diners came in. Perhaps this was not unusual for an early sitting on a Tuesday evening?

I started with the garlic mushrooms, a favourite, and my partner chose whitebait with a side salad and bread and butter.

Both, we agreed, were excellent and served promptly and in a pleasant, and efficient manner.

The menu said that all the food was freshly prepared and could take a while but it was not long before my beouf bourguignon with wild rice arrived.

The dish was extremely tasty with meat that fell to pieces on my fork and with it was a sauce that was full of flavour. The portion was generous, especially with the mountain of accompanying vegetables which were cooked al dente.

My partner ordered the rack of lamb with a redcurrant jus and also chose to have chips.

He enjoyed a huge spread and found the sauce fruity and light but described the lamb as "perfectly adequate" rather than" brilliant". (He should know, he is the son of a butcher).

To finish, he had a slice of lemon meringue with cream and was not disappointed with the zesty filling and its crispy topping.

I was less lucky with the profiteroles which were nice but a teeny bit bland.

The bill came to a reasonable £52.80 including two glasses of wine and a soft drink. It was good food with a bit of history thrown in.

All in all, well worth the visit.

As we left, I popped my head into the Murderers Bar where a friendly member of staff pointed me towards framed copies of Berrow's Worcester Journal reports from the 19th century. A group of farmers employed a hitman to murder the local rector but later killed the murderer themselves.

A trial took place and one of the men was freed, apparently later becoming the pub's landlord.

Fir Tree Inn, Dunhampstead, Nr Droitwich, Worcestershire.Telephone: 01905 774094Service *****, Food ****, Value ***, Ambience ***