Anderton: The Millstone

1:51pm Thursday 7th February 2008

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The Millstone in Anderton must be one of the area's best kept secrets.

We chanced upon it one Sunday after trying two other pubs in the area that had either stopped serving meals or simply closed down.

From the outside in the dull evening light, I mistook it for your average pub chain outlet, so it was a pleasant surprise to discover a restaurant within, completely separate from the bar.

It's a lovely traditional place, but a bit uncertain of itself. The décor is rich dark mahogany and deep pink walls, yet the tables more farmhouse style.

We skipped starters, all preferring to save ourselves for a dessert.

For the mains two of our party opted for sirloin steaks and two went for the braised beef, like most of the mains, they were both around £14.

The menu is quite varied with all sorts of different meat, fowl and fish; it's a while since I've seen rabbit on a menu or even guinea fowl come to think of it, but this chef was clearly serious about food (apart from vegetarian, unless you like pasta).

And the chef was clearly on top form, all the meals were excellent.

The steaks were tender, cooked to perfection, the braised beef tasty and almost melted in your mouth. The vegetables were beautifully cooked and a side order of chips was the real home-made type that you don't often find.

It was clear everyone had enjoyed it, with barely a garden pea left on the plates.

The portions were generous too and only the chaps in our group could manage sweets, both opting for the warm chocolate tart with ice cream.

The desserts looked seriously wicked, dark, dark chocolate that looked far too rich and heavy.

I had to try some just to check, and in fact it wasn't heavy at all, it was quite simply delicious. Chocolate heaven!

We finished off with a coffee and pot of tea, and all agreed that we'd have to come again - if only to sample some more amazing desserts - like deep fried ice cream'!

How did it fare? (out if six stars): Food 6, drink 4, service 3, atmosphere 3, Value 5