Worth stepping out into the cold for, and more...

It was a freezing evening, pouring with rain when Mr Eating Out and I decided to brave the elements and head out for tea.

Visiting family in Lancaster for the weekend, we opted for The Borough in Dalton Square, fancying somewhere cosy and not too formal.

It is one of those great places where you can enjoy a drink, a snack or a full meal without feeling like you are being watched by the whole room, or rushed to leave your table.

There is a fantastic combination of a large but homely dining area, rustic tables and chairs at the front of the pub and – if you arrive at the right time – gorgeous comfy arm chairs in the window.

Arriving without a reservation on a Saturday night, I thought we might be pushing our luck to find a seat.

But, heading for the dining area, we were shown to a table straight away.

We sat close to the patio doors overlooking the beer garden – a great sun-trap in the summer – and spotted that they even provide blankets for those wishing to brave the cold and sit outside.

Perusing the menu, boasting locally sourced produce at reasonable prices, I was tempted by almost everything, from Lancashire hot pot to rope-grown mussels served with hand-cut chips.

However, after some deliberation, we both chose from the specials menu.

I chose lamb neck 
fillet, which was served with crushed olive potatoes and roasted root vegetables, as well as a redcurrant jus.

Mr EO plumped for Red Tractor chicken breast, which came with crushed potatoes and also roasted root vegetables, with a red wine sauce.

The plates looked similar when they arrived, and were both given the thumbs up.

The meat was soft and juicy, with the sweet vegetables and tasty sauce just what the doctor ordered on a cold evening.

As our empty plates were cleared, we couldn’t resist agreeing to a look at the pudding menu – what they call “the naughty bit”.

Giving up on the new year diet, I went for the homemade apple and caramel cheesecake with ice cream.

The base was sweet and crunchy, with a light and soft caramel topping filled with crunchy apple.

It was delicious and finished the meal off perfectly.

Mr EO chose a crepe, which came wrapped around chocolate ice cream with cookies and chocolate sauce.

It was equally delicious, even though both puddings probably merited running home rather than calling a taxi.

With a large glass of wine and two pints of beer, as well as bread and olives to start, the bill came in at just over £50.

The Borough

3 Dalton Square

Lancaster, LA1 1PP

Tel: 01524 64170