The Parkers Arms - Newton in Bowland

Why so long before posting a review of my favourite foodie pub? Lack of a photograph - I must have been so eager to get inside and order that I've neglected to get a snap of the pub. Anyway, that was sorted out and here we go.

Up until a couple of years ago, The Parkers Arms was an ok pub in a fantastic location. Fine for a quick pint and a sandwich if passing, but not worth a special trip due to its very rural location. It was then taken over by the owners of Weezos, who'd very quickly built up an excellent reputation in nearby Clitheroe. Fast-forward through a long period of refurbishment, and we have a pub that looks great, is in a lovely location, very friendly owners, and some of the best food you'll ever be served in a pub.

The food is the big draw at The Parkers Arms. I've yet to be served anything that wasn't top notch, and my only complaint is with the ever-changing menu, my latest favourite dish goes off the menu and I have to try something else. No great trial! Particular favourites have been the game pie, Lancashire hot pot, seafood sharing plate and the ploughmans lunch. I know - these just sound like bog-standard pub-grub, but the amount of care and detail put into them elevate these pub staples into outstanding meals. Virtually everthing is sourced locally, and very fresh. Sometimes this means things go off the menu, but this is much preferable to the usual pub practice of having a large freezer, an oven and a microwave.

This isn't a place to go if you're impatient - the food is cooked to order and during busy periods it may take a bit of time if you've ordered one of the more complicated dishes. My advice is to chill out, enjoy a Bowland Ale, and take pleasure in the food when it arrives. Those who do will be richly rewarded.

The Black Bull - Old Langho

 Here's a pub that was completely off my radar until I noticed a pub symbol on the ordnance survey map I'd had made that was centred on my postcode. Not only was there a pub in the Ribble Valley that I wasn't aware of, it was in walking distance!

Obviously I had to check the place out and duly put on my walking boots and set off towards the Black Bull. It's located in "Old Langho", not to be confused with "Langho", which is a few miles up the road. It's actually closer to Brockhall Village.

What I found was an old country inn situated on its own along a quiet road a short walk from the Ribble. I only stopped for a couple of pints, so can't comment on the food quality, but it semed tobe pretty good value for the area.  What I did enjoy was sitting at the bar and having a chat about the pub with the staff, who were very friendly and welcoming. It turned out that the bulk of the customers came from the aforementioned Brockhall Village (A gated community where Blackburn Rovers training ground is located).  I could easily have stayed the afternoon if it wasn't for the thought of the long walk back.