Address: Gib Lane, Hoghton

Phone number: 01254 852272

Lancashire Telegraph review by John Anson from July 17, 2010.

OVER the years the Boar’s Head has undergone a number of transformations.

For years it was a popular Brewer’s Fayre pub and more recently it has gone upmarket.

It’s been quite a while since we last visited and the whole place appears to have had yet another facelift.

There’s a posh new sign and the interior is best described as “trendy rustic”, which is light, airy and rather pleasant.

The menu offers mainly standard pub grub but with a twist.

It’s not quite a gastro pub — more a country pub offering quality fare.

I went for the interest-sounding homemade fishcake in crayfish broth at £9.25, while the better half chose slowly roasted belly of pork at £8.75.

The service was friendly but not obtrusive and there was a reassuring wait for our dishes — but long enough to show they were being prepapred to order.

I didn’t know what to expect with my choice, but it turned out a fine selection.

The fishcake was the size of a large saucer and a good inch thick, packed with fish and herbs.

It sat in a creamy broth on a bed of spinach, which worked perfectly — I mopped up every last mouthful.

The pork dish was equally well received, served with black pudding mash and green beans.

The meat was beautifully tender and full of flavour.

We just had room for a pud — I chose lemon tart with raspberry mousse while the better half had homemade ice cream.

Both were beautifully presented. The ice cream sat on individual shortbread biscuits with a piece of chocolate on top, and we polished them off with relish.

The Boar’s Head was surprisingly quiet when we went. Offering the quality of food we enjoyed, it can’t be long before word gets round that it’s worth a visit.

Lancashire Telegraph review by John Anson from July 14, 2008.

THE Boars Head is yet another establishment to have undergone a transformation.

With historic Hoghton Tower virtually next door and open fields in front of it, this large, stone pub has to be in one of the nicer settings.

Inside it retains a country feel with different seating areas for diners to choose from.

It was pretty quiet when we visited midweek, initially we were the only diners, but good company can always create its own good atmosphere.

The menu is traditional classic pub fare with daily specials chalked up on a board.

Fish and chips is always a good test of a kitchen’s abilities to do the simple things well so that was my choice while the better half went for a ‘light bite’ version of another classic — scampi and chips.

If you have a weedy appetite then you’re just going to be overwhelmed by the portions served up at the Boars Head.

Don’t believe me? Well it was the first time I have ever had two fish served up with chips and mushy peas! The fish was moist and the batter fairly light although a little crispy at the edges. But at £7.95 it was still pretty good value.

And if the scampi dish was a ‘lite’ version, I’d hate to think what the ‘heavy’ one would be like! Again at £5.95 it was pretty good value, the scampi wasn’t overcooked and the accompanying salad was much more than the usual lettuce and tomato.

A number of signs around the place indicate that the Boars Head has a range of themed nights during the week with quizzes and the like which perhaps creates a livelier atmosphere than we experienced.

If it’s fine dining you’re after then the Boars Head isn’t for you. But that’s not what it is trying to offer.

What you will get are hearty platefuls of old fashioned pub grub. Just make sure you’ve worked up an appetite.

The verdict

Sizeable portions will suit those with hearty appetites.

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