Heading back after a morning walk around Swinsty reservoir we decided to stop here for a bite to eat. Good sized car park. Very friendly staff greeted us as we entered and the dining room was busy which was a good sign given that it is under new ownership for just a year or so now. We ate in the newer section of the pub which had sky lights and was very light with a great view over the valley.
The menu seemed quite simple and to focus on local type dishes and at first glance, I thought the menu looked a little pricey for lunches and so decided on a sandwich (I think it was £6) while many of the dishes were up in the £8-10 range).
When the sandwiches came, they came with a small salad of very fresh greens which was the first surprise. Then the second surprise came in the form of a pickle plate containing a selection of beetroot, pickled onions (small (so not too strong in flavour), but numerous), pickled cabbage and a pickle/chutney all of which we were told were made on site. Honestly, I'd read it on the menu and not really given it any thought, but the presentation of the pickle plate was great and their flavours were sublime. For me the pickle tray was the star of the meal and tied the local/home-style together perfectly.
The sandwiches were very tasty and combined with the salad and pickles offered fantastic value for money. The sandwich (coronation chicken), wasn't too overly spiced and the bread was thick cut and very tasty. Others in my party were equally impressed.
My only regret, given the flavour and quality of the pickled onions and pickle/chutney, I should have got the cheese sandwich as I bet combined, the three elements would be amazing!
At this point I'm looking forward to going back and will be trying some of the more expensive dishes on the strength of my experience here. If all their dishes are made with the same quality of ingredients and given the same attention, then I'm sure it won't be long before this becomes a very well known local spot. read more