The Calf's Head Worston
Ah, the Calf's Head, one of 4 pubs that I consider to be my 'local' despite it being a short car or bike journey away. (The other 3 being the New Inn in Clitheroe, The Waddington Arms, and the Inn at Whitewell. See above for reviews of these in the fullness of time) . Worston is a tiny village at the base of Pendle Hill, near to Clitheroe, and The Calf's Head is the most imposing building in the village - virtually impossible to miss.
http://www.calfshead.co.uk/
The Calf's Head is a vast pub, converted from a hotel a few years ago, with a large, family-friendly garden. We arrived once to find a coachload of pensioners had got there minutes before us, but the whole lot of them vanished into the vastness that is the Calf's Head. It has a couple of smaller 'pubby' rooms for drinking or eating bar snacks in, a large dining room, a popular conservatory area, a busy garden and other rooms that I've not even ventured inside.
Beers on tap at last visit were Jennings Spitfire, Cumberland bitter, and Marston Pedigree (which I suspect was the guest).
People go for the good quality (and value) food such as their famous Worston Whale, which is a vast plate of fish and chips at £7.95. We like it as it's open all day for food, busy without being hectic, and it's got the best pub garden in Lancashire.
*Edit Oct 2009*
While we often find ourselves at the Calf's Head due to the multitude of work/social events that lead us there, it's no longer a pub we tend to go to of our own accord. The plastic menus are tacky and the sheer numbers eating there can get overwhelming. Friday lunchtimes can be extraordinarily busy. It could probably do with a bit of a spruce up too. On the plus side, the food does represent good value and I don't know if anyone who's ever eaten there has left not feeling full! My tip is to go on a sunny day and sit outside in their garden with a pint or two. On a cold day, their full English breakfast comes with a pot of tea or coffee, so no need to buy a drink.
posted by Trader Woody @ 1:40 AM
17 comments
17 Comments:
This is a marvellous pub/hotel and the owners have done a fantastic job of modernising the place over the last few years. Their cavery is excellent for quality and price. Everyone has their favourite spot to eat whether in the bar, the garden (in good weather), the conservatory, or in the restaurant. We ate in the carvery last Sunday (22/10/06) and there was a coach party due for a 3 course meal. When they arrived we heard one of the staff saying it would be about 5 minutes before they could be seated. We thought, no way, as many tables had just been vacated. However, staff came from all parts and the tables were cleared and relaid in the five minutes. True teamwork, and that is what makes this place so good.
its a minted pub, might be working there :)
i hate working here i hate the people here i wish i could just quite everyone bitches about each other things go missing and everyone blames everyone else grrrrrrr i wish i could quite bt i cant until i find another job :@
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Local pubs are great especially the ones that are within walking distance, I frequent one near Baslow and it has a great atmosphere and tasteful decor, in the winter I usually sit in the conservatory area with a drink and what the weather through the glass without ever feling it, the furniture is wood and the conservatory cushions are a really unusual design but its my favourite place in the whole pub.
i sometimes think it could do with a tidy up odd dirty notices up and down looks a bit tired
Cynical, tired and dated management outlook.
Team work of staff amounts to little more than get em in get em out principle.
The Calf's Head long ago forgot what hospitality is all about.
Totally Fragmented Service and only saving grace is the view from the garden.
Menu needs a total revamp.
This pub is an upmarket Mcdonalds for Coach Parties.
12 of us went for a meal after a 20 mile bike ride around the lanes (yes we'd showered and changed), thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes it seemed geared for travellers, but they us welcome and the food and service was good. we'll definately be back and would recommend it to people, when in this beauntiful area.
VERY UNFRIENDLY STAFF
WOULD NOT RECOMMEND FOR YOUR WEDDING AT ALL
Have just spent the night at this inn. Room was great; big with comfortable bed. Large bathroom and great bath, big enough for two (tho jacuzzi didn't work and no real response when we drew attention to this). Food reasonable and fairly priced. Excellent beers - both resident and guest - and good spirits (even Calvados, a personal favourite) and it's nice to sit out in garden with view of Pendle Hill. Staff friendly and efficient.
stayed a tthe calfs head tuesday night the staff were nice and polite, the food was good and the badroom was lovely.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
We have eaten there several times over the past few years without any problems but there now seems to be a change in bookings. We tried to book a meal for 4 people on a Saturday night but were told that they would not accept bookings for less than 8 people (why?)we were told to just turn up and they would find us a table, when we turned up at 7.00 pm we were told that there was a 1 hour wait and there was nowhere to sit as it was very busy, needless to say we left and went elsewhere to spend our money. They give the impression that they only want to cater for large parties, the Ribble valley is well served with good friendly eateries and so I don't see any point in going there again.
Had a meal at the Calfs Head about two years ago... Food was great (would recommend the Worston Whale) and the staff very friendly. Will be eating there again very soon
Have eaten at the Calf's Head many times over the past 11 years. It's an honest pub - no frills. The menu is straightforward and does what it says on the tin. If you want something upmarket or a contemporary menu, then look elsewhere, but for a good pub menu, it is spot on.
Have been going to the Calf's Head a couple of times a year for around 11 years. It is an honest, no-frills pub and the menu is the same. If you want Worston Whale or scampi or similar standard pub fare, it is very good. If you want something more upmarket or contempory, then you need to go elsewhere.
Very unfriendly and sarcastic lady on duty seen her before wont be eating there again for sure
Post a Comment
<< Home