ONE of the most stunning restaurant or pub settings in Hillingdon is that enjoyed by Waters Edge at Ruislip Lido.

However, the pub itself has always been a hit and mostly miss affair. It has a captive audience of many families visiting come rain or shine and should be a great place to go, but somehow it never has been.

I've experienced every type of restaurant disaster there over the years, from blocked toilets, indifferent service, appalling food, missing food, cold food, long waits - you name it, we've had it.

The upshot is that I've not set foot inside it for at least two years. It got to the stage where I wouldn't even risk having a cup of coffee there!

That was until I read the recent review in this paper saying it had been taken over by new management and the reviewer had enjoyed an excellent roast carvery meal there. I had to read it a few times to double check it was the same Waters Edge pub I knew and did not love!

I decided to take the family for a bracing walk around the circuit of the lido to work up an appetite. In the past, we've been lazy and taken the Ruislip Lido Railway part of the way round but this time everyone walked it. They have a good concrete path that goes the whole way round so it's not muddy and is suitable for buggies, bikes or trikes, which is good to know.

The little coffee place by the 'beach' area was open and, lo and behold, you can get a decent cup of proper ground coffee there now. I can't remember seeing this before so assume it's new - I usually manage to sniff out good coffee but my coffee radar missed this on previous visits.

So, we arrived at the Waters Edge hungry, thirsty and ready to be disappointed but were pleasantly surprised.

The price is amazing - you get a full carvery meal for £6.50 on Sunday and £3.50 Monday to Saturday, while children's meals are £3.25 on any day.

Within eight minutes of arriving we had bought drinks at the bar, paid for our carvery, helped ourselves and were sitting at a table enjoying a view of the water. Everything was piping hot and freshly cooked, and the roast potatoes were superb, although the veg tasted a bit like 'Mum's gone to Iceland'. The meat was fine though, but I sat there wondering about its provenance.

I don't want to ponder too long on how they manage to produce a roast dinner for £3.50 as I'm sure I won't enjoy the answers! I did enjoy the meal though.

Most kids love a carvery meal - because they've made their own choices about what goes on their plate, they tend to eat more. The place was packed with families and very little was left on the plates going back to the kitchen, which is always a great sign.

* Find the Waters Edge in Reservoir Road, Ruislip: 01895 625 241.

In the family way

I visited Hillingdon Hospital Maternity Wing three times this week to see my brand new nephew, George Gabriel Sergides. He's just perfect and Alex is very pleased with his new cousin. Many congratulations Simon and Linda.

The last time I was there was to give birth and it was great to go as a visitor and not a mum-to-be, knowing there is no way I want to go back and do it all again!

Cathy recommends

ONE Life Live 2009 runs from Friday to Sunday at Olympia and is great if you are looking to make a change in your life.

Maybe after having children you don't want to go back to your old job but would rather retrain or simply do something different. One Life Live will give you the inspiration you need!

Gazette readers can get two tickets in advance for £22 (normally £14 each in advance or £16 on the door). Call 0844 84 83 225 or go to www.onelifelive.co.uk and quote UGS1.

One Life Live is in the Grand Hall at Olympia Exhibition Centre, Hammersmith Way, W14 8UX.

Opening hours are: Friday, 1pm to 7pm; Saturday, 10am to 6pm; Sunday, 10am to 5pm.