In sub-zero temperatures, the last thing on my mind is sticking to a diet, despite my New Year's Resolutions.  During freezing weather, what could be more welcome than a nice hot bowl of soup with warm crusty bread, or a steaming plate of sausages, mash and onion gravy?  After all, you have to 'stoke the boiler' to keep warm!  The Village Inn in Caterham-on-the-Hill has an excellent selection of traditional English dishes; meals that were no doubt originally concocted with the cold winter climate in mind, such as Liver and Bacon, Sausages and Mash and Beef & Ale Pie, alongside year-round favourites that include Seabass Fillets, home-made Chille Con Carne and of course Sirloin and Rump Steaks.  There is also a selection of delicious salads which I will be sure to try when I no longer need central heating!

When my daughter and I visited The Village Inn last month I started with the Soup of the Day - Carrot Soup (£2.95) which was hot, thick and creamy with a hint of spice, and came with a warm, crusty baguette; very pleasant indeed.  Jenny selected the Spiced Kofte Kebabs (£4.35), delicious lamb kebabs served with Tazziki.  For our main course we both selected a dish from the grill.  Jenny chose her favourite, the 8oz Rump Steak served with grilled flat mushroom, tomato, chips and peas (£10.95), while I decided to try the 8oz Pork Loin Chop served with mushroom paprika cream sauce and new potatoes (£8.75) with Mixed Roasted Vegetables (£2.50) to go with it.  Very happy with our choices, we both thoroughly enjoyed our meals and decided to forgo dessert, despite the temptation of favourites such as Warm Chocolate Brownie, Treacle Roly Poly  and Apple and Sultana Pie and custard!   

The Village Inn offers excellent value especially when you consider that all the meals are prepared from fresh ingredients that are delivered daily.   

For a  delicious, low cost lunch, the Bar Menu offers burgers from £6.50, a selection of baguettes served with chunky chips at £3.99 and jacket potatoes with a variety of fillings, also for just £3.99.

The Village Inn, The corner of Coulsdon Road and Westway, Caterham, Surrey, CR3 5NF.  Telephone:  01883 341871; www.thevillageinn-caterham.co.uk