RESTAURANT REVIEW: The Ancient Oak, Cottam

A walk or short taxi drive from a decent pub is a selling point.

From our home in Fulwood, we have a pick of quite a few and Ember Inns now owns three.

Two, the Anderton Arms and Black Bull, have now successfully served the local clientele for many years.

So it wasn’t a surprise to hear they had recently ventured into Cottam, with the acquisition of the Ancient Oak.

From lunch dates to tea dates, in fact a first date with my husband, I have eaten a lot at the Black Bull and Anderton Arms since my college years, so I’d pretty much decided on my order before I headed in.

If you’re familiar too with the Ember Inns set-up – there are few surprises with the new design.

The former tired play barn is out. (Ember Inns don’t do soft play ) and kids are welcome until 9pm.

The dining area has a newish lay-out and it definitely works – it feels much warmer, and the rich somewhat old worldly decor makes for a cosy, relaxed atmosphere.

And the food, well there is little to separate if you have indulged at the other two but that is not to knock it.

It’s hearty pub grub.

Our steaks were nice, a good size, well cooked and tasty.

And then there is the price. We dined on the evening set menu, three courses £11.49, and no one can grumble at that.

But there is plenty to suit on the wider menu.

The food and drink is good – if you want a tasty lunch/dinner, an evening, weekend drink or to sample a new cask ale, you won’t go far wrong.

I have visited twice now since the re-opening and the new manager Ciaran and his staff have made a real effort – a high five to the service.