The surprise with The Surprise is that - despite appearances - it's actually rather nice.

Once you venture through the doors you find a cosy, welcoming pub with a very traditional feel to it, chamber pots hanging from the ceiling and a bar made out of old one penny coins.

I would never have guessed it was somewhere I was going to like when I approached, in fact I thought it was shut.

The sign hangs on the end of a wooden pole that leans at an angle, the windows were made so you could not see through and it looked like it had not been painted since the 18th century.

Having been surprised to find the door actually open, I got a momentary quizzical look from the regulars at the bar who were no doubt expecting one of their usual Sunday afternoon chums to walk through rather than a complete random.

Instead of feeling like an outsider though it was more like I was suddenly welcomed with open arms into a new family - largely thanks to the barmaid coming straight over to serve me with a dazzling smile.

There's certainly lots to look at once you sit down with all the pots on the ceiling and various objects such as stringless violins and witches cauldrons dotted about the place.

Maybe all the objects were designed to stop you looking at the ugly flowery designs dotted over the seats.

Although I did not eat, I am reliably informed the homemade food served in the restaurant and function room out the back is of a good standard and there was also Skysports on television.

The homely feeling you get from The Surprise is largely spoilt by the fact it needs a good clean (particularly in the gents toilets which almost made me get my marigolds out and start scrubbing) but if the owners can give it that and spruce up the outside, it could be a very popular place indeed.

The Surprise, Upper Shirley Road, CR0 5HF.

DECOR: ** The pots and other objects around the place make it unique, but the flowery pattern on the seats is just ugly.

DRINK: **** The Carling I had was smooth and one of the best I have tasted for a while and they had a good range.

PRICE: **** £4.30 for a beer and a bottle of coke is quite good in this day and age.

ATMOSPHERE: *** Despite there only being a few people there it was welcoming and just like drinking in your front room.

STAFF: *** Quick with service and did it with a smile as well.