THE story goes that businessman Howard Spooner was so disappointed by his village pub when he moved to Manton that he bought it.

So it was rather reassuring that Mr Spooner and his family sat at a neighbouring table for a meal as we were partway through our Sunday lunch at the Outside Chance.

It was even more reassuring that the elegant Mrs Spooner went around collecting empty glasses after finishing her own main course.

The pub, which is now owned by Mr Spooner and racing magnate Guy Sangster, is decorated in appropriately horsey fashion, complete with many old photographs of bygone winners.

The name itself was coined after a horse owned by Mr Spooner and trained by his gardener won a race last year priced at 100-1.

When we arrived at the village pub it was clear from the overflowing car park that it was popular.

But once inside the young and efficient staff soon had us supplied with drinks and seated at our table.

No menus were proferred and we realised the complete list of food was on a blackboard. It was so short as to be minimalistic but was still a winner when it came to delivering great food quickly.

There was a choice of two roasts and three vegetarian options at £8.95 plus two puddings at £3.50.

Personally I am always happy with roast beef when I go out for Sunday lunch and as this was one of the choices I had no complaints.

My family went with three beefs and a pork and, despite my teenage daughter’s reservations about the beef being slightly on the pink side, everything disappeared in double quick time.

The meat was beautifully tender and my husband said the crackling with his pork was suitably crispy.

The biggest choice of the day came with the accompaniment to the puddings.

Cream, ice cream or custard was available with either bread and butter pudding or apple crumble. Again thumbs up all round.

I usually ask my family for their scores out of 10 when we doing our eating out meals. On the Moore scores seven is pretty good.

The Outside Chance got 8.5s and 9s – which put it up there with our favourite local eating place. So we will be back.