THERE are bar snacks. And there are bar snacks. If it's the latter variety you want, then look no further than the Queen Catherine Hotel in Osmotherley.

The "sandwiches" in this country hostelry are really more of a meal. And among the most delicious I have tasted.

I would also defy anyone to beat them in terms of value for money.

But the Queen Catherine offers much more than this.

Ensconced in the popular village not far from Northallerton, it has long been a favourite with walkers seeking refreshment after enjoying the nearby beauty spots.

Villagers also make the most of its welcoming open fires and rural atmosphere.

Clearly, it also attracts those who make the journey just to eat and drink there.

Equally, the menu is not confined to sandwich snacks - a full range of bar meals is available. Or there is a restaurant-type area for those who prefer more formal dining.

I wanted to resist the Mexican spicy chicken sandwich and try something else. But I couldn't. The lure was too strong. And it lived up to its promise - bread encasing large chunks of tender chicken, cooked in peppers, onions and spices and served with salad, coleslaw and chunky chips.

It was wonderful. And at £3.50 how can you go wrong?

My guest was more adventurous and went for the stir fried beef. Served with prawn crackers and rice, the beef was seared and pink inside and tasted lovely. The price: £8.95

To start I had a prawn cocktail. This was the only disappointment as it was just a portion of prawns in sauce served on a few strands of greenery. No tomatoes. No cucumber. I was a bit surprised by this, especially as it came with a £4.15 price tag.

My guest had Mexican chicken strips in batter with a tangy dip and this was good. It cost £3.95.

For puds I tried banoffee cheesecake with a layer of toffee, topped with coffee cream, banana and almonds. It was luscious.

My not-too-bothered-about-desserts guest was persuaded into sticky toffee pudding with custard cream. I didn't hear any complaints.

The house red is also excellent value at £8.50 a bottle and coffee - with chocolate mints - costs just £1.

So for around £40 you get a cosy, welcoming environment, unhurried dining, good service and very good, uncomplicated food.

Other dishes on offer include fillet steak at £12.95 and pasta dishes at around £6.25.

Sunday lunches are available in one, two or three-course form. Mains cost £6.75 and starters and puds £1.

The Queen Catherine has been owned and run for the past five years by father and son team Robert and Alan Woof. Working with them is chef Adam Jackman.

Mr Woof says the pub is very popular with walkers as Osmotherley is the start of several good routes. Families using a nearby campsite also find it ideal.

Mr Woof says the firm favourite on the menu is home-made steak and onion pie.

"It is gone within minutes of leaving the oven," he said.