JUST a couple of decades ago taking your family out for a meal at a pub would have been almost unthinkable.

But now there is a huge market in family pub restaurants - many of which are constantly improving and giving people with children the chance of a decent meal in relaxed surroundings.

And The Crossways in Caerphilly, a Brewsters outlet, has all the ingredients you need for a successful family meal.

Young and cheerful staff who mop up spills with a smile, outdoor and indoor play areas to keep the children amused while you order your meal and a balloon for every child. There is also a wide choice of food for both adults, teenagers and toddlers.

My friend and I took at least ten minutes to look through the menu, which had a variety of curries, pasta dishes, steaks and traditional dishes such as sausage and mash. I eventually decided on a 10oz rump steak, which came well done instead of medium, but was still very tasty with a rich peppercorn sauce. It was garnished with fries, peas, mushrooms and tomato and cost £9.40.

My friend was astonished at the size of her meal - half a large roast chicken with roast and mashed potatoes, stuffing, sausage, broccoli, carrots and peas and gravy for £6.75. Her only complaint was that the peas were hard. A side portion of garlic bread was £1.90. We were very full but still managed a berry crumble, with raspberries, blueberries and blackberries and custard, and a magnificent banoffee waffle with Belgian waffle, toffee sauce, ice cream and banana. These were £2.99 each.

My six-year-old daughter picked sausage and mash off the children's menu, and this came with peas and gravy as well as an orange drink and a visit to the ice cream factory for £3.99.

There was plenty of choice for kids, including burgers and chicken dippers - but it's a shame children can't offer half portions from the main menu as there are so many dishes they would enjoy.

The total bill was a very reasonable £29.40. Soft drinks from the bar were £2.70. Helen Morgan