COMFORT food was calling and I was craving a Lancashire hotpot with carrots and pickled cabbage.

Without hesitation, I checked the online menu and was happy to see it was one of the main dishes at The Thomas Egerton bar and restaurant.

So, off we went on Saturday afternoon, over the A666 to the pub that I had heard good reports about.

After a recent refurbishment, the venue is warm and inviting. with open fires and comfortable chairs it has a traditional setting with a contemporary finish.

Even though my mind was made up before we got there, I was tempted to change the meal choice to the roast duck or monkfish scampi – just a couple of delicious dishes on their delightful and established menu that makes it difficult to choose.

The menu offers freshly-prepared English pub classics made with the finest, locally-sourced ingredients and it delivers.

My hotpot arrived freshly prepared and hot without the ‘pot’ – it was a roast rump of lamb on braised red cabbage served with chantenay carrots, boulangère potatoes and a red wine and rosemary sauce.

It was a more contemporary approach to hotpot than I am used to, but it was delicious and the sauce was rich and intense.

For £12.95 it’s a wholesome dish and the price reflects the quality of the produce.

Desserts are available, starting at £4.95 and there’s a good drinks menu for cask ale lovers, as well as continental beers and lagers, there is also a good selection of wines.

SIMONE O’KANE

FOOD.......................................10

ATMOSPHERE...........................9

VALUE .....................................9

SERVICE...................................9