“It’s just chicken and chips, after all” said an enthusiastic, fresh faced young server at one of KFC’s increasing number of branches in the first episode of the BBC documentary “Billion Dollar Chicken Shop” this week.

Whilst the programme revealed an impressive commitment to customer service and quality standards, it tended to confirm one’s worst fears about the animal husbandry behind the scenes and general healthiness of the deep fried fare.

Perhaps that was why I decided to take a punt on what I hoped would be a more traditional chicken and chips on making a visit to The Farm over at Monkspath this weekend.

The very tastefully appointed restaurant area was welcoming, as were the attentive staff and the inclusive salad bar was a bonus. The chicken and chips was good rather than outstanding, triple cooked chips would be more in keeping with where this establishment is pitching itself.

There is no such thing as ‘just chicken and chips’ these days. Those halcyon times of getting chicken and chips in the basket are long gone. KFC bewilders with its menu of ways chicken and chips can be delivered, but the original recipe ‘three pieces, chips and a side’ will cost a fiver.

Over at The Farm, half a chicken, jointed into a leg and a wing, with fries and a choice of sauce and accompaniment was £12.95. However, I am in no doubt which is the better nosh for my dosh, I’ll be off to Monkspath every time.

My good lady had a few reservations about whether her swordfish could have done with a few more minutes on the heat to hit perfection, but was nevertheless enthusiastic for a return visit.

The Farm was a busy place, and one could see why.