Asps rang me last week to mention that he was taking Josh’s wife Lyndsey out to Lockside Steakhouse in Stourbridge while he was away and did I want to join them. As I’d reviewed The Lockside Cafes in the old BHS and the Saddlers Centre in Walsall while they were open, I jumped at this chance to complete the hat trick. 

I meant to get a picture on the way in but I was far too excited. I hope one on the way out will suffice/

A friendly welcome was received and we were quickly seated with Pina Coladas or penis colada as they are known in our circles, ordered. I went alcohol free with mine. 

The menu was extensive and took some perusing. Although in a steak house, none of us ordered steak. I’m sure this contravenes some local by law. 

Asps, Lyndsey and me.

Asps went for Lamb Henry as it sounded like Lenny Henry, Lyndsey went halloumi and as I’d been craving King prawns all week I went for those although my decision not to have the Black Country faggots continues to eat away at me even as I write this days later.

Other things that caught my eye were the warm Scotch egg starter and the cheeseburger being called Dr Cheese. I am going to campaign for us to employ a Dr Cheese at the Manor Hospital. He or she could prescribe us all some Wensleydale and crackers at dinnertime. Morale would go through the roof.

Asps suggested a sharer as a starter and we went Texas bbq which had pork ribs, chicken wings and corn on the cob. 

There was no music which was fine by me and the conversation was great. My mocktail was epic. 

Food came quickly. I have a take or leave relationship with ribs but my God these were in the take camp. So meaty and flavoursome. The chicken wings were fab. I politely declined corn on the cob. It took me 51 of my 52 years to stop sifting out sweetcorn from Pot Noodles before adding the water but I’m not yet ready for it in on the cob form.

The king prawns were garlic, lemon and parsley flavoured with lemon mayo, fries and flat bread. They were epic. 

Just look at those bad boys. You have my permission to be jealous.

Lyndsey couldn’t eat all of her onion rings and offered the rest to me. Onion again is something I’ve only just taken too. I used to remove it from cheese and onion cobs. Which got me strange looks. These were really good. So crispy. 

Asps and I had coffee to finish, espresso and latte respectively. There was time before departure for Lyndsey to send a selfie of her and myself to her husband Josh which he loved.

So, the food was great, service efficient and friendly with superb company. Asps footed the whole bill which was very decent of him. Cheers fella. 

It’s well worth a visit this place. Here is the website. Lockside Steakhouse