Review: The Swan With Two Necks, Pendleton (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Review: The Swan With Two Necks, Pendleton

1:22pm Tuesday 17th April 2012 in Latest restaurant reviews By Gill Johnson, Features writer

AT the heart of the community in Pendleton is The Swan With Two Necks, a hostelry that not only serves villagers as a traditional pub, but also attracts visitors from further afield, thanks to its food.

And it adds to its charm by rising to the occasion for special dates in the calendar — as it had when we called in this Easter.

The warm and friendly countryside pub was decorated with scores of egg ornaments hanging from tree branches in the bar and dining area, while chick-design containers of mini eggs on each table were a nice touch.

The pub has recently been named runner-up in CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year competition and has a choice of five real ales and a cask cider — but happily could still produce two large glasses of Rioja for me and my dining partner.

It has a varied menu, offering a selection of home-cooked food, that is served efficiently and with a smile.

I opted for Moroccan lamb, while my friend just had to try the chicken and leek pie, and both came with a choice of chips, new potatoes or dauphinoise.

A full dish of parsnips, savoy cabbage and carrot and swede was a welcome change from the usual vegetable fare of other establishments.

While my friend pronounced the pie scrumptious, I have to admit feeling disappointed with my lamb — it was a hearty portion but lacking, I felt, in much flavour.

And with a portion of couscous, the five, dry new potatoes on the plate looked rather unappetising.

Next up was dessert, a light and tasty sticky toffee pudding for me and a tiramisu on the other side of the table which, from the sigh of appreciation on the first mouthful, did not need any further comment.

Food 7, Drink 9, Service 8, Atmosphere 9, Value 8