Address: Blackburn Road, Ribchester

Phone number: 01254 820888

Lancashire Telegraph review by John Anson from February 12, 2010.

A MEAL out with friends is always an enjoyable experience. When the atmosphere of the chosen venue adds to the experience then you know you’re on to a winner.

The Ribchester Arms always appears busy. But even on a Saturday night when the place was packed, we were still given a warm welcome.

There is a full dinner menu with numerous specials on blackboards around the walls.

Three courses would have been pushing it so the better half went for a starter — a prawn cocktail (£5.25) followed by rib eye steak with peppercorn sauce and new potatoes (£13.80). I opted for the homemade fish cakes for a main (£8.80) followed by apple, sultana and cinammon crumble (£4.50).

In truth, there’s nothing special about the dining room. In the cold light of day it’s probably even a little dowdy. But it matters not as the atmosphere’s good and the food matches.

My three fishcakes clearly were homemade. Every one was a different shape but all were packed with wonderfully flavoursome filling. Served with chips and a salad garnish I was able to help myself to fresh veg. Tartare sauce was offered and didn’t come in a plastic packet.

The steak was cooked to order and there was just the right amount of punchy sauce.

For anyone with a sweet tooth the pudding board is something to savour. I could quite happily have chosen any one of the 10 or so choices on offer.

But crumble and custard it was, and what a fine choice.

We left replete and with a warm glow.

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