Consistent excellence defies the snobs; Pub grub.

THE thing about a Toby Carvery is consistency.

Now I know that's not sexy, or particularly daring, but you know what you are going to get and you know it's going to be good.

Try telling that to the 'smug foody'.

The smug foody is that dull guy from accounts who wants to appear cultured in canteen conversation and that woman from HR who doesn't find 'Come Dine With Me at all funny.

These people have about as much character and culture as a Pot Noodle, but they are also the kind of people who would get sniffy about a visit to a place like The Marlbrook, in Bromsgrove.

Well, they can sniff all they like because after a visit to the Worcestershire carvery with the in-laws last weekend, I'm sold.

That is the thing about a place like The Marlbrook, it is heartwarming and instantly enjoyable. Much like the food, which, to my great surprise, has now taken on a distinctly exotic, but in no way pretentious, international flavour.

Each night of the week is devoted to a different style of cuisine so, for example, Tuesday is now Oriental night and Wednesday is Spicy Curry night.

My visit it was on a Saturday, so it was Classic Lamb night, which was a roast leg of lamb and Moroccan lamb, with minted baby and dauphinois potatoes, all from pounds 5.

Of course, if something more exotic does not take your fancy, you can opt for the classic carvery choice of British or Irish beef, honey and mustard glazed gammon or British turkey.

It all comes with your choice of eight freshly steamed and roasted vegetables, replaced regularly all day for that freshly cooked flavour.

So with that in mind, make sure you listen to your stomach and not the office snobs next time you decide to eat out.

With a bill that barely hit the pounds 40 mark with drinks for four very hungry diners, you can't go wrong with the Marlbrook.

ADAM ASPINALL Toby Carvery Marlbrook, 462.

Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove. Tel: [phone]..