TAKING advantage of a break between bands at the excellent Ramsbottom Festival, the better half and I came upon this little gem almost by accident.

An unprepossessing frontage on the main street down to the station offers few clues as to the treats which lie inside.

By day, the Hungry Duck is more of a bistro which then transforms into a restaurant as evening approaches.

The decor is simple, but the welcome is extremely warm.

The a la carte menu is limited to a handful of starters and mains, but we were still spoilt for choice.

In the end, I went for the Hungry Duck fish and chips at £12.50 while the better half chose the belly pork with king prawns (£14.95).

Not sure what your interpretation of fish and chips is, but I bet it doesn’t include a beautifully cooked piece of sea bass (minus batter), excellently cooked chips (served in a small flowerpot of all things), crushed peas and lemon butter sauce. It was splendid fare and a real surprise.

So too was the pork dish, which again looked as good as it tasted complete with a mustard foam and carrot puree.

Don’t get the impression that it’s all poncy nonsense on a plate.

This is just quality food, excellently presented.

Food  9
Drink 8
Service  8
Atmosphere 8
Value  8