A BRACING WALK & SUNDAY LUNCH
What could be better? Dig out your walking boots and get set for an enjoyable four-mile ramble followed by a super-tasty Sunday roast! Photography: Robin Lyndon
One of the most pleasurable things about a good pub walk is the food and drink to look forward to at the end. At the beautifully restored Haighton Manor they’ve got this cracked with a robust four-mile walk and a similarly robust Sunday roast at the end of your endeavours.
We embarked on the Fulwood Park circular setting off from the Haighton Manor car park in the afternoon sunshine, and despite it being muddy under foot, it was a thoroughly enjoyable two-hours. We passed snowdrops heralding the imminent arrival of spring, crossed deserted fields and meadows, peered over a footbridge to watch the stream crashing over rocks below and marvelled at the late afternoon sun bathing the trees in a glorious golden haze.
The downloadable instructions were easy to follow – we even doubled up with an iFootpath app, which indicated exactly where we were and updated our progress as we walked.
When we retraced our steps back to the car park where we changed our muddy boots, we were all looking forward to the next part of our day out – the food!
Since being taken over and refurbished by Brunning and Price, Haighton Manor has been transformed into a delightful country pub with interiors that reflect its rural location and historic past. Heritage colours, flag floors and roaring open fires add to the ambience, while the menu reflects the pub’s commitment to providing seasonal, hearty classics that are simply delicious.
Renowned for its Sunday roasts, we ordered traditional rare beef and Yorkshire pudding served with all the trimmings, although roast pork, lamb and chicken options regularly feature. The beef was cooked to perfection, and served with carrot, broccoli, roast potatoes and an artfully placed sliver of parsnip. This is traditional, hearty food presented exceptionally well. Similarly a tasty Caesar salad with anchovies, deliciously moist chicken, bacon and parmesan and topped with a perfectly poached egg and micro herbs was as pretty as a picture.
The serving team couldn’t have been more helpful either. Attentive and friendly, they presented just the right balance reflecting a pub that is rich in character and ambience.
Moving on to the dessert menu, we found ourselves considering sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and ice cream or blackberry and sticky apple sponge with custard – heart-warming winter puddings that were ultimately tempting! In the end we opted for a light as air sweet meringue with berry compote and lemon curd cream, a delicious end to a delightful day.
So, if you enjoy walking and the great outdoors, there’s nothing better than taking in some fresh country air before settling down for a super-tasty Sunday roast at Haighton Manor.
For more details about the walk, or the menus, see the website or give the team a call on 01772 706350
Haighton Manor
Haighton Green Lane
Haighton PR2 5SQ
01772 706350
www.brunningandprice.co.uk
