Address: Bashall Town, Clitheroe, Lancs, BB7 3LQ.

Phone number: 01200 428964.

Lancashire Telegraph review by John Anson from Saturday August 14, 2010.

NOT the easiest place to find, Bashall Barns has nevertheless gained something of a reputation for itself.

Currently the complex which is home to various crafts and outlets boasts what has been judged the UK’s best farm restaurant.

High praise indeed, but does the reality live up to the advance billing?

Certainly a fine job has been done in converting former farm buildings.

The furnishings are simple and a wall of glass looks over a decked patio area and the beautiful countryside beyond.

The menu isn’t that extensive but there is plenty to attract, all carefully planned and using local produce where possible.

For some pockets the prices may be off-putting — it’s not the cheapest establishment, but quality does have a price.

I went for the tweely-named Bashall Herdsman’s platter (a posh ploughman’s to you and me) at £8.95 while the better half opted for one of the lighter meals on offer — black pudding salad with bacon and soft boiled egg at £6.50.

Initially I was a little disappointed when my platter arrived — a slice of pork, a slice of ham, a sliver or pate and a bit of cheese.

But then I also got four large hunks of fresh bread and an invitation to help myself from a well-stocked salad bar and it all made sense.

The black pudding salad was a fine plateful, particularly considering it was a ‘light bite’ and was pronounced delicious.

There is a tempting array of puddings on offer at £4.95 and both of us thought we’d have room for the raspberry trifle.

How wrong we were! I honestly have never seen such large portions of trifle.

They were so big they brought gasps from a woman on a nearby table as they went past.

The combination of informal dining and good local dishes works really well and although pricey to some, Bashall Barn does have something to offer.

Just remember farmers appear to have huge appetites!