THE sun’s appearance has been a rare this this summer.

But last weekend, under the beaming rays, a trip out to the pretty town of Whalley for an afternoon’s wander about and lunch was in order.

As we came towards Bregans, a friend began waving from the cosy patio area outside. They were about to leave and, after a quick chat, we grabbed a table in the sun — perfect timing.

That luck did mean we were left with empty plates, uncleared until we sought out a waitress to take our order.

The regular menu and chalk board specials made appetising reading; homemade quiche, peri peri chicken, and various hot and cold sandwiches all fought for attention.

My mother-in-law ordered the soup of the day, tomato and basil, I chose Caesar salad, plus chips to share, and a traditional lemonade, a glass of rose and some water.

They had run out of soup — personally, I don’t get hot soup on a sunny day — so we had two Caesar salads.

I was disapponted to find the Caesar made with iceberg lettuce rather than the traditional cos or Romaine leaves as it doesn’t grasp the dressing so well. But there was plenty of chicken and serving the good portions of parmesan and dressing on the side was a nice touch — although did make the bistro table a bit cramped.

The bread with the salad was crusty ciabatta, and the chips were super — light, sofy and fluffy on the inside and crisp on the edges.

Popping inside to pay, Bregans was pleasantly cool after the lunchtime sun.