THIS traditional, historic, old English country Inn, is situated in the Lancashire village of Slaidburn, although, up until the Local Government Act of 1974, the pub was very much part of rural Yorkshire.

It is surrounded by the stunning Ribble Valley countryside, and it was a glorious day, when me and my 'chauffeur' and friend, Andy, visited this early 17th century hostelry – and as we entered the pub, we were given a friendly welcome from Natasha, behind the bar.

Hark To Bounty is a fine establishment, with impressive oak beamed ceilings, a spacious bar area and a cosy room adjacent to the bar, where you can relax and enjoy a beer, or maybe a meal from their most popular, extensive and traditional menu.

There were four cask ales on when we visited, including one of my favourites, Theakson Old Peculier. However, in the soaring temperatures, I plumped for a much lighter and more thirst-quenching ale, namely, the Tirrel Brewery Amber Ale – a malty smooth and refreshing Cumberland tipple.

The pub has quite a historical past and Natasha offered to show us the old courthouse, situated on the first floor. Nothing much seemed to have changed in this old court of law, with its superb A-framed, oak beamed structure.

Natasha said: “It’s now used mainly for meetings and functions but, it still looks pretty much in its original state,” as she pointed to an old door in the corner of the room. She explained: “The other side of the door leads to the stone steps you see at the front of the pub.”

The inn was known as The Dog until 1875, when the squire of the village, who was also the rector, had a pack of hounds. One day whilst out hunting, he and his party called at the inn for refreshments. Their drinking was disturbed by a loud and prolonged baying from the pack outside.

High above the noise of the other hounds could be heard the squire's favourite dog, which prompted him to call out – ‘Hark to Bounty!’ The name stuck.

Back down in the bar and drink in hand – it had to be onwards to the lovely, lawned and private beer garden, at the rear of the building.

It was a delightfully peaceful and tranquil setting – and it's no doubt very popular in favourable weather conditions.

It was a most enjoyable visit to this village pub – one of many we are blessed with, here in Lancashire.

Mind you, some of the older residents here, will say to you: "Tha's still in Yorkshire, lad!"