THE gastro pub is a relatively modern phenomenon and here in East Lancashire we are fortunate to have some excellent examples.

Neither restaurant nor pub, the gastro pub is somewhere in between where you can enjoy good food in a relaxed atmosphere - and they don’t come much more relaxed than the subject of this week’s review, the Clog and Billycock in Pleasington.

Relatively recently taken over by the group which also owns the Aspinall Arms in Mitton, the Clog was given a bit of a makeover before Christmas.

For those who haven’t visited for a while, it seems a little brighter and a little cosier than before. The flag floors and shabby chic furniture remain and on the evening we went along the roaring fire in the ancient range was a welcome relief from the effects of Storm Hannah.

Popular with walkers, families and even dog owners the Clog is much bigger than it looks with tables available throughout the ground floor.

You don’t have to be a diner, the choice of ales and wine often tempts people in just for a drink. Daily newspapers and even spare reading glasses are available if you just want to while away an hour or two and traditional board games are also free to enjoy.

But it’d be a shame to miss out on the food which is freshly prepared on the premises.

The menu is an enticing blend of what might be termed pub classics to the more unusual. There’s a pretty decent choice including a number of vegetarian options.

Working my way down the menu it was the honey roast ham, free range eggs and chips that caught my eye. A real blast from the past, it had my name all over it. At £11.95 it was one of the cheaper mains on the menu.

The better half opted for the herb marinated chicken breast with a crushed potato and chorizo cake, saffron and lemon dressing (£14.95).

Not sure where you stand on the length of time between ordering and being served your food but I always prefer there to be a reasonable distance between the two. To me, if the food arrives too quickly I’m always suspicious but no worries about that here.

We had a chance to enjoy the log fire and a glass of wine before our treats arrived.

Ham, egg and chips is one of those dishes which has a nostalgic appeal. The several thick slices of cold carved ham, some chunky chips, two fried eggs plus a small salad and tomatoes won’t disappoint anyone. The ham was full of flavour and the rich yolks of the two eggs required much mopping up.

The chicken dish looked amazing on the plate and potato and chorizo cake was a novel twist which, from the small piece I was allowed, was packed with flavour.

Not having had any lunch was our excuse to ask for the dessert menu and again there are a number of homely treats to choose from.

Continuing my nostalgic meal, I went for the apple and blackberry crumble with vanilla custard (£5.95) while the better half took advantage of the coffee and small pudding menu offer for £6.95 and had a flat white to accompany her hot waffle with boozy cherries and clotted cream.

Being picky, the crumble could have had a slightly thicker topping but there was a good custard-to-crumble ratio and it was delicious. I’ve no idea about the waffle, it was demolished before I got a chance to sneak a piece.

We reluctantly left the cosy surroundings feeling pleasantly full and very relaxed. The Clog and Billycock had worked its magic.