WE are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out in our little corner of the country — just try finding the same mix in Shropshire, for instance.

And before you ask, we have!

Devon, too, has its fair share of quaint country pubs and tea rooms, so when family travelled up to visit this week, it was a question of where I should take them.

I’m glad to say we made the right choice.

The Craven Heifer, with more than 150 years of history, has recently undergone a complete facelift and can now boast to be a gourmet pub in the heart of Pendle.

It has a new contemporary bar and stylish dining areas with flagged floors and colourful furnishings.

The food is good, too. It’s cooked fresh to order and comes from local suppliers.

I went for the chicken caesar salad, which is on the starters menu, but can be ordered as a main for £10.50.

It comes with crisp baby cos lettuce, croutons and crispy pancetta, in a creamy dressing, with parmesan shavings — and full marks to the waitress, one of a very friendly team, who pointed out the dish is usually served with anchovies and so gave me the opportunity to opt out.

My companion chose an oven-roasted breast of chicken, which looked huge, filled with Lancashire crumbly cheese and spinach and wrapped in bacon with tarragon and pancetta cream.

It came with a plateful of fresh vegetables and a choice of chips, new, roast or dauphinoise potatoes.

For pudding, we shared a hot apple and calvados crepe, served with vanilla pod ice cream and a lemon pavlova, with blackcurrant coulis and almonds, both at £5.50.

Yummy.