On Track For Success
The historic Edisford Bridge is on track to become another resounding hit for Becky and Jamie Govier, writes Tedd Walmsley, who visited the pub to check out the seasonal menu. Photography: KapturedbyWayne.co.uk
It’s just a few short weeks since that SOS call from the brewery and the mercy dash over to the Edisford Bridge to save this landmark pub from immediate closure.
The 18th century Grade II listed inn has an iconic presence and simply couldn’t be allowed to become yet another casualty of the apparent collapse of the hospitality sector in the UK.
So, what happened next? Becky Govier and husband Jamie literally moved heaven and earth to keep the doors open and the kitchen stoves alight. There is a definite two-pronged strategy here which is paying huge, early dividends.
Firstly, Becky is creating another amazing team both in the kitchen and front of house. Former Black Bull Head Chef Callum has returned to head up the kitchen brigade and they are slowly pulling together a team of talented chefs capable of creating a menu of pub classics. As always, this will be a homage to their creative flair and the ever-changing specials board is based on seasonality and the availability of some of the finest local ingredients.
Out front Becky has recruited some excellent staff and is creating the same infectious enthusiasm, fun and friendly professionalism, as her team at the Black Bull in Old Langho. The same ethos creating the same result – great service with a great experience for the diners.
Alongside the teambuilding is the refurbishment of the interior and the transformation of outdoor space. Becky tells me that work will start imminently on a facelift for the inside of the pub and she will also oversee frantic preparations for the beer garden and general outdoor space as the long lazy afternoons and sunny weekends are just around the corner. Their investment and passion is there for all to see so Liz and I thought it time to visit and see if this enthusiasm translated into reality – we were not disappointed.
It was a lovely Thursday evening as we arrived for an early supper and to road test some of the signature dishes from the new menu. We weren’t the first to arrive – some early diners enjoying supper and a few walkers enjoying the early evening sun sat outside with cold beers and bar snacks. The clientele is going to be a varied group and I imagine a mix of locals, walkers and plenty of tourists, who visit the area and stay nearby. This appears to be confirmed in many of the recent excellent reviews on both Google and Trip Advisor as there appears to be a hugely positive reaction to Becky and Jamie’s first few weeks at the helm.
Liz opted for the squid from the specials board, which was both delicious and served with a fragrant Thai style salad. Having looked at the menu I was spoiled for choice with some of my old favourites such as scampi and prawn cocktail in the small plates menu. I finally opted for the scotch egg, which was robust and served with a spicy nduja dressing.
The classic fish and chips served on modern-day newspaper was to be my main course and was as good as I’ve had in many a while – fresh fish from local supplier Giles Shaw in Clitheroe with chunky chips and mushy peas – what’s not to like? I cleared the plate in double quick time.
Liz also went very traditional with a piping hot steak and ale pie served with a jug of extra gravy for dipping her chips – packed with meat and topped with a golden puff pastry crust – Liz polished this off. The bigger plates menu is complemented with both small plate options and a classic sandwich menu served all day, which I’m sure will prove to be very popular with that diverse group of diners I mentioned earlier.
And so on to pudding – we shouldn’t really have had those sweet treats but I’d promised Becky I’d give them a whirl. The cherry Bakewell with sour cherry and vanilla ice cream proved to be more than worth its billing as one of the most popular on the menu. We had intended to share a dessert but the very attentive Rosie insisted on a birthday treat for me and presented me with a slice of chocolate delice with a moreish salted caramel ice cream. Needless to say we did our best with this and left feeling more than replete, promising to come back to try Sunday lunch Edisford Bridge style. If this is the beginning of a new adventure for Becky and Jamie it’s going to be another incredible success.
Edisford Bridge Country Pub
Edisford Bridge
Edisford Road, Clitheroe BB8 3LJ
01200 422637
01254 248801
facebook.com/Edisfordbridgecountrypub
