Emmott Arms

Gone Down Hill. have visited Emmott Arms several times in the past and been really pleased but, not this time. Visited today and was so disappointed and was left feeling like my intelligence had been insulted. Firstly the place was cold and nearly everyone had kept their coat on and those who had brought their woolly hats kept them on. As for the food I ordered Cheese and onion pie, when it came the cheese had curdled. I was told it was the cottage cheese the chef had put in the pie, Really, I think you meant ricotta cheese. This often happens when the cheese is over heated when cooking. Also the pie did not look home made at all, but I was told it was some secret ingredient / cheese that the chef had caused it. Seriously! At this point I just smiled politely. Also the mash that the pie was put on was unseasoned and very wet. I walked away feeling like I had my intelligence insulted and Paid for the privilege.

Visited Thursday afternoon 7th July. Have driven past many times but have never gone in. Was catching up with an old friend and he suggested we try it. Small car park to the side. Probably space for about 12 cars or so. Fine at the time we went but you might struggle if you go on a Friday or Saturday night. I can imagine ( after this visit ) that this place gets busy. Currently struggling with some hip problems and noticed quite a high step at the entrance but there was a grab rail on the right as you went in which helped when going in and also leaving. Don’t know if they have another entrance. But my friend, who is a smoker, went out back and said there was a nice, large beer garden so maybe people can come in this way. Only a few other diners in at this time so plenty of choice of where to sit. The place seemed a lot bigger once inside and, on the way out, noticed another dining area off to the side. There was a lot of choice on the menus and it took us a while to make a decision. There was the regular menu with nibbles, starters, classic mains, steaks and grills and something different with 6 options including dishes like sea bass fillet and pan roast duck breast. There was also a lunch menu with sandwiches and light bites served in the afternoon, 12 till 4, and, as it was Thursday, a pizza menu. We ordered a pint of Peroni at £5.40 and a large glass of Malbec at £7.00. The wine list seemed to have a good range priced competitively but as I was driving had to settle for a glass. From memory there were 3 reds you could buy by the glass and 3 option sizes. The drink prices were in line with other places visited recently. I liked the look of the Farmhouse pizza at £ 10.50. Toppings were chicken, bacon, sausage and black pudding. Other toppings were available as options. I added mushrooms at fifty pence which I thought was very reasonable. Also chose the pizza as we were informed that the pizza on a Thursday option would be finishing shortly. The menu was regularly changed and updated and the pizzas would be back on the menu later in the year. My friend choose two nibbles, Haddock bites with Tartare sauce at £3.95 and Black Pudding Fritters with mustard mayo at £3.50. He also ordered a portion of fries at £3.50. Really enjoyed the pizza. Very thin crust which tasted crisp and fresh. Plenty of toppings and very deceptive. It didn’t look like a massive pizza but it was very filling. My friend enjoyed his two dishes and was full having to leave some of his fries. The service was excellent. I know for a long period we were the only customers in but based on the friendliness and professionalism shown I reckon it would be the same even if busy. Amy was on the bar and our waitress was called Brooke (hope that’s the correct spelling ). Brooke in particular was efficient and attentive without being intrusive. Great service cannot improve poor food but poor service can spoil the best of meals so it’s great to go somewhere where service is seen as an integral part of the dining experience and the staff appear to enjoy their job and take pride in it. A few other places could take lessons from the two ladies working here. Even though it was quiet the tables that had been used were quickly cleared and cleaned down. Was amazed to see that even the chairs were cleaned and wiped down after customers left. The music playlist was to our liking. Might not suit a younger customer but for two fellas in their 60s there was a great range of songs. I very seldom give five stars on my reviews but I don’t think I have any other option based on todays visit. I thought it was excellent value for money. The total bill for food and drinks was £47.00. This included 3 pints of lager, a large red wine and a sparkling water. Would I recommend the Emmott Arms? Based on my experience yes, unreservedly. Will I visit again? Definitely and hopefully next time I get to explore the wine list in more detail. Visited again recently. Another excellent meal and great service. Another five out of five from me.

BREAKFAST REVIEW The Emmott Arms, Laneshawbridge 27 Nov Occasionally a breakfast comes along which ticks boxes you didn't know needed ticking. I'd seen an FB post by The Emmott Arms showcasing their breakfast sandwiches, so decided to have a drive out and see what their Full English offering was like. I arrived and walked in to a really warm welcome and was showed to a cushioned bench next to a roaring log fire. If I hadn't been driving I'd have been tempted to order a bottle of wine and stay all day and I'd only just got here. As pubs go this one looks like a belter, bags of character with original stone flagged floors and a huge fireplace. I ordered The Full English (no egg) and a pot of tea. The breakfast came with everything I would normally have, so no additions were necessary. My pot of tea arrived first with matching cup and saucer and milk jug. Oddly the milk jug had no spout but still poured perfectly with no drips! What kind of witchcraft is at work here? While awaiting the main event I was lulled by the crackling fire and the Christmas music being played. I know it still November but it's hard not to feel festive in a place like this. Even the little kid at the table next to me was well behaved - I think he was helping to celebrate his Grandad's Birthday. Well my food arrived and I just knew it would be good. I'd be heartbroken if it wasn't. Unusually I'll start with the Hashbrown, as my regular readers will know I can take them or leave them and most tend to be deep-fried straight from frozen. Not here though. The menu didn't state it was homemade but I'm willing to bet this had never seen the inside of a freezer. A lovely crunchy coating surrounded a soft potato centre, with just enough seasoning to lift the potato to its tasty potential. The dry cured bacon was a decent thickness and had kept its shape well. It was well cooked and delicious. The sausages were home made and packed tight with a great flavour. The less health concious amongst us might have opted for a higher fat content to give a juicier texture but I realise I am in a minority and take nothing away from these excellent bangers. The black pudding was from Bury and it was a chunk from a traditional horseshoe shape, very tasty as you'd expect. The mushrooms were tiny button mushrooms but they came in brigade strength so there were plenty enough to satisfy. The tomato was a grilled half. I would have loved the other half if I'm honest. The beans were in a ramekin but my plate was hot enough for me tip them out. They may have been Heinz but they seemed a bit tastier if I'm honest. The two slices of toast each came with decent size pats of Yorkshire Butter. I'd specified white toast and was served with nice thick toasted bloomer - this could well have been home made. In summary I would not hesitate to reccomend a breakfast at The Emmott Arms at LaneshawBridge.