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Brook House Inn, Heskin
The words 'hidden gem' can sometimes be over-used, but not in the case of the Brook House Inn at Heskin.
When we visited we found a lovely country inn serving excellent food in relaxing surroundings.
You will, however, need transport to visit the Brook House Inn as it is miles from anywhere.
I was looking for something different so I invested some time in using everyone's friend, namely Google, and was drawn to the pub.
I asked friends if they knew where it was. No one did, but having the telephone number and postcode meant I could use even more new millennium gadgetry (sat nav) and book a meal.
The booking was made promptly and driving through the country lanes of Heskin we arrived and parked up.
Greeted by a helpful young lady, we were quickly seated and not only were the menus clean (I have to mention it!) but the napkins were cotton rather than the paper ones that are on the increase.
The menus are easy to read and they explain that whilst Brook House is over 300 years old, the staff are a little younger!
The menu also goes on to explain that they are not a fast food outlet and each meal is freshly prepared.
My wife Carole ordered a large glass of red wine (3.50) and I ordered a large glass of lime and lemonade in my quest to find the cheapest and dearest in the area. At 1.95 it has to be the cheapest around.
For starters Carole chose mushroom and stilton bake (4.75). The freshly cooked mushrooms were served with a fresh cream and mature stilton sauce.
I selected the prawn cocktail served with rustic brown bread (4.95) and it was presented well, although the bread was missing. This was hastily rectified by the very efficient waitress.
For the main courses, Carole opted for the chicken stir-fried with peppers, spring onions, mushrooms and bacon and finished with soy sauce.
She was offered rice or chips to accompany the meal or half and half. She selected chips and was delighted to see they were 'proper chips'.
Me? I was hungry so I chose the Brook House mixed grill, comprising sirloin, gammon, black pudding, lamb chop, Cumberland sausage, grilled tomato, home made onion rings, egg and mushrooms and... real chips.
What a plateful that turned out to be and it was cooked superbly.
Only one thing. When I reached the plate through the food I couldn't find the black pudding anywhere, but registering full and being on the last hole on my trouser belt, I decided not to request a replacement.
The dessert menu looked inviting with apple or rhubarb crumble with custard (3.95), Mrs Dowson's ice cream (1.25) and a cheese board (4.95), so maybe another time.
The whole Brook House experience was pleasant and they cater for everyone whether it's a full meal, lunch, sandwiches or pizzas.
The Brook House is, I am told (it was dark when we arrived) surrounded by a lake, mature trees and even a cave once used as a priest hole.
We noticed on the way in too that there was a dog water bowl in case you arrive with your pet dog and want to eat outside in the summer.
Another very small thing that I noticed was there were no signs of stubbed out cigarettes around the doors. I know it may only be a small thing, but to me it's a switch-off.
Well done Brook House, you may be off the beaten track, but you are well worth the trip.
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Weather for Chorley
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
