Review: Coach and Horses, Oswaldtwistle

5:18pm Friday 6th June 2008

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NOW the lighter evenings are here, there's nothing better than enjoying the balmy summer evenings in pleasant surroundings.

And dining at the Coach and Horses is always a pleasant treat.

Tucked away in the moors between Oswaldtwistle and Haslingden, the pub is just ideal for a family meal; small, quiet and great value for money.

The menu is always enticing and, with our table overlooking the beautiful East Lancashire countryside, it was a real banquet for the senses.

The range of lagers isn't as vast as I would have liked so I had to settle for Stella, but that's a minor gripe. A look at the ordinary menu gives you plenty of choice but, for those who are looking for something a little different, the specials board has plenty to offer.

From standard pub grub to more adventurous fare, including a healthy array of fish dishes, the specials board is a must to peruse.

My only qualm was that I felt there could be more choice for vegetarians.

My dish came from the standard menu and I went for bacon-topped chicken in a red wine sauce, which was divine. I'm a sucker for red wine dishes anyway but this exceeded my expectations.

The plate was vast and the large chicken breast with sumptuous rashers of bacon and melted cheese were beautiful.

The home-made chips were also a real story. With the skins left on, they were a nice variation on a classic British food.

My partner plumped for a leek and mushroom crumble. It was an unusual and imaginative twist on a vegetarian dish, although she did feel the sauce was a little on the thin side.

The kids' menu is pretty standard but the chefs seem to be pretty flexible with the accompanying vegetables.

My little boy made quick work of his mound of fish fingers, potatoes and peas.

Praise indeed.

It was a lovely meal and for just over £25 for three drinks and three main meals, you can't grumble.

>> The verdict

The chicken in red wine sauce exceeded my expectations