DINING out in East Lancs can sometimes be a bit of a chore.

There are some great restaurants and pubs about, but they’re often a drive away in Ribble Valley villages or nestling into the side of Pendle Hill.

So, when you find a venue that serves Ribble Valley-standard food which is near enough to home that a taxi each way probably costs as much as the petrol to drive to the country – you’re on to a winner.

And that’s certainly the case for Healys at Lily Mae’s in Accrington. Lily Mae’s day-time ‘coffee bar’ turns into ‘Healy’s at...’ bistro on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Its location might not be as pretty as our country locals, tucked under the viaduct and opposite the cinema, but once inside the warm chocolate and cream decor and muted lighting makes the roundabout hustle seem a world away.

Relaxing on cosy sofas, with a gin and tonic and a beer, we chose from a £25 three-course menu selecting a creamy garlic mushroom filo tart with blue cheese to start and natural smoked haddock and roasted belly pork for mains.

Each course was beautifully presented and served in good time. The blue-cheese was perfectly strong and contrasting with the delicate filo, and balanced against the cream. My pork main course was super-tender, although it was a shame the crackling promised on the menu had been replaced by a strip of crisp bacon and I’d have liked a lot more jus with the dish - not that it was at all dry.

All too often a three-course menu can be heavy and dessert becomes a chore to eat rather than a treat.

This was not the case and we had plenty of room to savour the light and delicious sticky toffee sponge, sauce and ice cream.

Healy’s can also boast a great value wine list, supplied by the award-winning Whalley Wine Shop. With a bottle of prosecco, it was a minor celebration, our bill came to a very reasonable £73.35 and we look forward to returning.

Food .............................................8

Drink ............................................8

Atmosphere ..............................8

Value ...........................................9

Service ........................................8