Ten years ago The Three Fishes at Mitton re-opened paving the way for a mini-revolution in eating out in East Lancashire.

It was Ribble Valley Inns first foray into the gastro pub market and set the benchmark for others to follow.

Now, the Fishes has got a new look, and though it won’t have quite the same impact, it’s good to report that the quality we’ve come to expect remains.

A subtle makeover has taken place with new decor, furnishings and clever changes to the interior which you know are different but can’t quite put your finger on.

Ceiling-mounted spotlights in the ‘bottom end’ have brightened up what has always been quite a dark area.

But all the lighting in the world won’t entice customers if the menu isn’t up to scratch.

No worries on that front as Nigel Haworth and his team have wisely decided to leave many of the traditional favourites well alone and simply add a few more items to make ordering an even more difficult process.

For our visit I wented for one of my favourites the fish pie, a monster of a creation packed with chunks of fish and whole prawns and topped with cheesy mash.

Then came one of the new options, a black cherry cheesecake for pudding.

Not only did it look great on the plate, it was delicious. It would be so easy to get the balance between the cherries and chocolate wrong but this was a smile on a plate, the base a chunky chocolate delight topped with light mousse, fresh cherries and a scoop of ice cream.

You always worry when something you approve of gets re-vamped. Fear not, discerning diners, the Three Fishes is still up there with the very best.

VERDICT

  • Food: 9
  • Drink: 9
  • Service: 9
  • Atmosphere: 8
  • Value: 9