HAVING begun the year with a review of the Clog it would appear I’ve provoked something of a debate about one of East Lancashire’s more prestige eating establishments.

Back in January I said it set a benchmark for other gastro pubs to follow. Since then I have received a steady stream of emails, either agreeing or pointing out that I had completely lost the culinary plot with grumbles about a too expensive a menu or poor service.

So in the interests of fairness I decided to return.

First thing to say, any review I do is only based on the experience I had at the time I visited. And contrary to what many believe, no establishment ever knows that a review has been done until it appears here.

So back to the Clog....

There is no denying that it isn’t the cheapest meal you’ll ever have. There are no meal deals here. But it’s not exactly a secret, so a bit like those who moan about Big Brother on the telly —you don’t have to watch it (or in this case go to dine there).

Good ingredients and pleasant surroundings come at a price and I’m firm believer that you do get what you pay for. So for our lunch my companion chose the seafood platter (£15.75) while I stuck with a medium sized fish and chips (£9.50).

I’ve never had a problem with the quality of service and, again, it was spot on. The meals themselves were also of the standard I’ve come to expect, with nice little twists on the presentation front.

I have to agree with some of my correspondents that for an upmarket estblishment it is a little odd to be ordering at the counter, quoting your table number, when there are so many staff around.

Apart from that I’ll stick by original thoughts but that’s not going to stop the doubters.

VERDICT

  • Food: 8
  • Drink: 8
  • Service: 8
  • Atmosphere: 8
  • Value: 8