IT was a typical raw January afternoon as I alighted my bus for this week’s pub review, the Kettledrum Inn on the outskirts of Burnley.

A hostelry recently refurbished and reopened nine months ago.

My last visit had been disappointing to say the least.

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Under previous owners, Punch Taverns, this historic, former coaching house, had looked dingy and run-down.

What had been even more galling were the redundant hand pulls I witnessed - and having to resort to a pint of Guinness.

Thankfully, the pub, which was named aft er the 1861 Derby winning horse, was saved from further deterioration when it was purchased by brothers Robin and Steve Reid.

And now, once more, this countryside pub, is gaining a fine reputation for its homemade cuisine and cask conditioned ales.

Did I say, countryside pub?

Perhaps I should have said, countryside restaurant.

As I walked into a bright, contemporary interior, with a pastel green colour scheme and lots of tables and chairs dotted around the place, it lacked the more cosy pub environment, I had been expecting.

It has certainly been refurbished to a high standard.

The lowered ceiling, with its ornate lighting looked impressive. However, for me, the spacious U-shaped area could have done with one or two cosy corners in which to relax and enjoy the superb and extensive countryside views.

That said, this is a food-led establishment, in all fairness.

Co-owner Robin Reid said: “Business has been good and are very busy at weekends. We are very pleased with trade since we opened.

Diners local and further afield, are loving our traditional, wholesome, high quality, home cooked food, everything from steak and ale pie to fish and chips.”

Another plus at the Kettledrum was its attractive, long, custom made oak bar. It boasted four locally rotating cask ales. Three from Reedley Hallows and one from Worsthorne Brewery were present on my visit.

They were all very reasonably priced too, at £2.70.

The Old Laund Bitter and Worsthorne Pack Horse were in superb nick - bang on!

It was also nice having a chat with one or two of regulars at the bar.

They included former Burnley football club manager, Stan Ternent.

Stan lives locally, and has frequented the pub over a number of years.

He’s an engrossing chap, and was enlightening me about the brews and breweries he remembered, from his native North East.

The Kettledrum Inn, was not really what I was expecting in all honesty. However, that did not detract from its appeal.

Courteous and helpful service from young Lewis, behind the bar.

An affable and informative co-owner, in Robin Reid.

Relaxed environment, friendly regulars - and a cracking selection of local cask ales, in tip top condition.

Happy days.