A selection of our favourite cafes, restaurants, pubs and takeaways

Links to Recommended Restaurants, Cafes & Takeaways

Bay Horse, Skipton

Cafe, Clitheroe Auction Mart

Cafe on the Square, Barnoldswick

Calfs Head, Worston

Craven Bakery takeaway, Skipton

De Coral Cantonese, Skipton

Ivy Palace Cantonese, Colne

Grandma Pollards, Walsden

Gretas cafe, Nelson

Morgans cafe, Earby

Tempest Arms, Elslack

The Stables, Towneley Hall, Burnley

Westmoreland Fisheries, Skipton

We've come across dozens - no, probably hundreds - of places to eat and drink on our travels, some good, some very good, some excellent; and to be honest, some are absolutely appalling! Here's a selection of just a few of what we consider to be the best.

And before you read any further don't get the idea that we'll only list Cordon Bleu restaurants - quite the opposite. We demand good quality, tasty food at an affordable price. There's an odd one listed that we certainly couldn't afford to frequent on a regular basis, but when we have been it's certainly been worthwhile - hence the mention. There's also the odd recommendation too, from people far better off than we are!

What I really DON'T enjoy is a meal that doesn't satisfy - one that leaves me feeling I need to find somewhere else to eat soon, just because the chef is more into visual than culinary art! I once had "bangers and mash" at a hotel whose name I won't mention, but it is frequented by royalty. When the meal arrived it consisted of a sausage balanced tastefully on a tiny mound of mashed potato with an artistic swirl of pinkish gravy - all that came to £9.50 and I had to go for a Cantonese afterwards!

Now, if you know of somewhere that's a bit special and you think it deserves a mention, drop me a line. We'll go along, give it a try, and if it comes up to scrutiny we'll give it a mention. All you need to do is to drop me an e-mail to james@jameswilsonmedia.co.uk and we'll do the rest

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The Ivy Palace, Albert Road, Colne, Lancashire * * * * *

The legendary Ivy Palace taken from Albert Road

Judith, Renee, myself and Steve. We're about to tuck into one of our favourites, Singapore Vermicelli

We're perhaps a little predictable in what we eat; favourites include chicken curry with fried rice, sweet and sour chicken, and Singapore vermicelli. The curry is not over-hot, although I must admit I prefer it to have a bit of a kick, but the flavour is excellent.

I first came across Singapore Vermicelli at the Dragon Inn, Ripon several years ago, and I've since tried many variations, including in China Town in Manchester and London - I think you'll find the best is here at Ivy Palace! Another dish well worth trying is their Sesame Prawn Toast. Again I discovered the delights of this appetiser in Ripon, but just wait 'til you try it here. The chef doesn't skimp on the topping, with around half an inch deliciously coated in sesame seeds; I'm beginning to drool just writing about it!

The crispy duck is always fantastic, and I've had one or two sizzling dishes too. I'd advise you not to wear white if you choose a sizzler, and it's worth considering a bib before your food arrives!

Another starter we often choose is Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings. People who aren't in the know often say there's nothing on a chicken wing, but everyone who's tried these at the Ivy Palace on my recommendation has been absolutely and totally converted. Again it's something I've tried at other restaurants, and again I've not found another to compare. The wings have a crispy coat and come with a sweet garlic and hot pepper dressing, finished with cucumber and crispy lettuce

We've never been disappointed with meals from the Ivy Palace, both eaten in and takeaway, and the service is superb.

Ivy Palace, 78 Albert Road, Colne, Lancashire - 01282 865585

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Grandma Pollards, Rochdale Road, Walsden, Lancs. * * * * *

Grandma Pollards on Rochdale Road, Walsden

Tony Pollard with two members of the team that help to make this the very best chippie

It was a stroke of good luck really, because I was on a day off and we'd taken the mother-in-law out for a ride. She'd told us about the home-made pies, and more or less insisted we give it a try.

The first glance at a Grandma Pollards portion of fish gives you a good indication as to what's in store - and it lives up to expectations too. There's a wide variety of pies available, both sweet and savoury and all home baked. Occasionally when your meal arrives you'll find you've been given a potato scallop - a whole slice of potato in Grandma Pollards unique batter. I don't know whether it's an act of generosity, or part of a marketing exercise - but if it's the latter it's inspired; they are truly wonderful!

There's indoor seating available, and round the back, by the canal there's even a bus kitted out with tables and piped music.

I know of several "chippies" that have entered the annual Fish & Chip Shop of the Year competition at one time or another, and one or two of them really shouldn't have bothered. But Grandma Pollards? Well I reckon it would win hands down! Just occasionally you find what you can truthfully call a little gem, and Grandma Pollards is without doubt one of those.

A word of caution though - if you're thinking of making the trip they're only open weekdays, but their hours are extensive. They open at 8:30 every weekday morning, closing at 3:30 on Monday and Tuesday, and 8:30 in the evening every other day.

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Morgans from Victoria Road (top) and a shot taken inside (below)

The premises have been transformed by Sax Jensen, the cafe's owner. Walk through the door and you could be forgiven for thinking you'd walked into a high-class city centre bistro. It's well decorated, with attractive and comfortable furnishings, on two floors.

The menu is simple, with basic good food from steaks and mixed grills, to a great value Sunday lunch. My wife says the puddings - hand made by Sax as far as I'm aware - are to die for. The staggering thing is you can get a fantastic three-course Sunday dinner for around seven quid!! 

Now for the conundrum - if the cafe is owned and run by Sax Jensen, why is it called Morgans? Well, Sax has strong links with the equestrian world, and once owned a favourite horse called Morgan. Now you know

Morgans, 15 Victoria Road, Earby, BB18 6UN. 01282 843500

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One of the legendary steak puddings served at Gretas

And the tiny kitchen in which all the food is prepared while you watch

I tried one of Gretas steak puddings and was instantly hooked. Trouble is, I've tried the same dish at numerous other places and have not as yet found one that compares! When we go shopping in Nelson we invariably end up at Gretas for my "upside-down pudding" - my wife has Shepherds Pie with peas and gravy.

I don't think anyone at Gretas would deny that it used to have quite a smoky atmosphere, which of course new legislation has now changed - most would probably say for the better. There is no doubt it's a much more pleasant environment to eat in, and it's bright, well furnished and attractive.

You'll never have reason to complain about a cold meal either - it's always piping hot and delicious, and the staff have always very cheerful and friendly towards us.

I imagine the cafe is one of the major attractions of the shopping centre, providing quick, well cooked and inexpensive meals. As I said earlier, we've only tried a couple of dishes because we tend to stick to what we like, but there is plenty to choose from on a pretty varied menu.

Gretas doesn't claim to be an Egon Ronay starred restaurant, but if you want to feed three hungry folk for less than a tenner, then I'd certainly recommend it! 

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Not perhaps the best view of the Calfs Head, but definitely worth a trip

The Garden at the side of the Calf's Head.

There's a little stream at the bottom, and a summerhouse

There's a website called the Virtual Tourist in which a guy from Burnley called Martin Selway mentions the Calfs Head. We had the pub recommended by a friend - it was a difficult choice, because as I mention elsewhere our favourite food tends to be Cantonese, but we thought we'd give it a try.

I have to say I'm very pleased we did, because so far the food we've had there has been excellent. It's not what food connoisseurs might call  adventurous, but there again neither am I. Once again though we've never been disappointed, with plenty on the menus to tempt everyone.

Biggest problem tends to be getting a table, but once you're seated the service is quick, the waiting-on staff - whilst mostly very young - are knowledgeable, interested and very friendly. Again my favourite is a chicken dish - chicken breast served in a creamy mushroom sauce. Not to be missed are the onion rings, something that seems to be a bit of a speciality - they are seriously good!

One of the great things about the Calf's Head is that, despite the fact the place is invariably busy, you're never rushed, which is just as well considering the size of the portions!

They've a website where you can find out more - www.calfshead.co.uk/  or try this link for another opinion! http://ribblevalleypubs.blogspot.com/2005/11/calfs-head-worston.html

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A choice that hasn't gone down that well with the rest of the family, but I've included the Bay Horse simply based on one dish - and yes, you've guessed, it's chicken again! We had a presenters meeting over lunch at the Bay Horse and chicken wrapped in bacon with melted cheese and a barbecue sauce caught my eye. I wasn't disappointed either, it was excellent!

On the evidence of this meal I took my family along to see what they thought. Christopher didn't share my opinion on the chicken, and my wife opted for a pie - I forget what it was, but it might have been Chicken and Leek. The portions were enormous, and in my case every bit as good as my first helping, but the missus complained that the filling of her pie was too dry, and she was unable to eat much of it

In  my opinion though the food is good, with a varied and comprehensive menu - and worth a try.

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We've found a new take-away on the recommendation of my good friend Mrs Mac. Morag suggested some time ago that we try De Coral at Waller Hill in Skipton. It's easy enough to find, in the bus station, and there's a convenient car park right next door.

Excellent value for money, with a well set out, easy to understand menu. We've tried several dishes - predictably the chicken curry, Singapore vermicelli and Cantonese chicken, and so far thoroughly enjoyed them all. Sweet and Sour's good too, and for a meal for four you'll find it hard to beat them on price or friendly, quick service.

De Coral, 26A Waller Hill, Skipton, BD23 2NT. 01756 792046

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Tempest Arms exterior (top) and a

section of the restaurant (bottom)

I've had a recommendation which I can wholeheartedly agree with! Jon Ranwell has e-mailed me to suggest I try the Tempest Arms at Elslack, where we run the Tuesday evening quiz, as it's one of his favourites.

I had never eaten a meal at the Tempest, but of course they always provide an excellent supper on quiz night. However, as it happens we booked in just recently - and were not disappointed!

I had a huge mound of pate as a starter, followed by venison, and finishing with a meringue the size of a small tower block, surrounded by fresh raspberries. Judith went for salmon followed by a chocolate concoction that put her diet back by several months.

It was absolutely excellent - I couldn't afford to do it too often, but we'll certainly be back for our next special occasion.

Many thanks to Jon for the tip. 

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Above: Jackie preparing a meal and

below: Peter "Clampett" Clamp - pretty much a permanent fixture at the Cafe on the Square!

Below: Looking into the Town Square along Albert Road

Barnoldswick's got a few good places for a bite to eat, but we particularly like the Cafe on the Square for a quick snack.

They do an excellent bacon, egg and chips. I'm told the eggs are locally sourced, and I'm sure they must be free-range too, because they're always a nice deep orange colour - and very tasty! The bacon is never swimming in fat, and always well cooked. There's nothing I dislike more than my bacon grunting when I stick a fork in it! I've been to so many places where a good vet would get my meat up and running again.

I know it's probably not the healthiest meal you could have, but we don't go that often, and it's a real, good value treat when we do. The other thing I do enjoy is a good cup of tea - not a weak, insipid brew drowned out with milk. It needs to be a good colour, plenty of flavour and well brewed, which is precisely what you get here.

Watch out for daily specials too. Here's just a sample, but remember this was taken in April 2008 - prices may vary, but it'll always be excellent value.

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A picture nicked from the Craven Bakery

website - somehow it doesn't have the same effect here! Not only that, it's the wrong branch - whatever!

Bacon and Brie - one of my favourites!

This is where the daily butties come from. I made a pledge to walk down into Skipton centre at least once a day, just to make sure I get some sort of exercise. Trouble is, I came across the Craven Bakery on my travels, and foolishly tried one of their sausage sandwiches. From then on I (and the rest of the team at Fresh Radio) was hooked!

They've now introduced Paninis, my favourite being bacon and brie with onion and tomato. There's a daily take-out soup on offer too - watch out for Pam's special Bacon and Lentil. In the sort of weather the dales can throw at you it's ideal.

The other thing Pam does especially for me is sausage with well-done fried onions, but I'm sure if you ask her very nicely she'll do one for you too.

There's a great team here at the Sackville Street branch, and the bonus is, if I ever need an opinion on a local news story, I'll never be short with this lot!

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A welcome sight on a dreary, cold winter's

evening

The team hard at it on a busy Wednesday teatime

This is where we go far too often for lunch. You could say it's because it's easy, because after all, it is just around the corner. On the other hand, like me, you could also say they cook the best fish and chips in Craven.

Ian and Janet have run the business for as long as we've been in Firth Street, and at times it's been an absolute godsend. When you've busy deadlines to meet it's been ideal for a quick, nutritious and excellent meal.

As well as the usual stuff they also do a mean steak and onion pie, which I believe are sourced from Phillipes just down the road. One of the things that stands out is the fact that the fish and chips are never fatty and greasy, unlike some I could mention (no names, no legal action - know what I mean!!) and the batter is wonderful!

Only complaint? That ruddy corner onto Sackville Street - some nutters come round there like their backsides are on fire! One idiot nearly mowed down the queue outside the chippy as he flew round the corner and mounted the kerb, one hand clutching his mobile phone to his lug'ole! Apprentice mechanic at a renowned local motor dealership I believe. There's a chance he might get through his apprenticeship alive IF he learns to drive properly and invests a few bob in a hands-free kit!

 Westmoreland Fisheries. 1 Westmoreland Street, Skipton 01756 794000

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Punters at the busy Clitheroe Auction on a Wednesday evening

Clitheroe Auction on a Wednesday evening attracts just about every facet of human life, and it's a fascinating place to while away a couple of hours - even if you just go to people-watch! You'll always bag a bargain too, with dozens stalls selling just about everything, as well as the regular "fur and feather" sales.

And when you've finished browsing the upstairs cafe is certainly worth a look, especially if you're looking for "Man-sized" portions; they've got to feed hungry farmers, so I guess they'd be in serious bother if they served small portions - nouvelle cuisine proportions!

I tried some battered fish just two weeks after it had been introduced onto the menu, and it was fantastic! The batter was superb, while the fish - a huge piece of cod - was really moist and utterly delicious.

I'm told all of the meat products on offer are locally sourced. Once again, probably a good idea as the place is visited by just about every farmer in the region!

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The Stables restaurant

The fountain outside the restaurant

Another little gem that we came across quite by accident. I wanted to take some photographs of a woodland walk for a project I'm working on, and it was a choice of heading for an arboretum near Bedale or for the woodland walk at Towneley Hall. It was a gloriously sunny day and I have to admit I really didn't fancy spending too much time behind the wheel! We very nearly missed out here too, because when we arrived at Towneley a Race for Life had just finished, and the drive out of the hall was absolutely gridlocked.

We decided to go in anyway, and I'm very pleased we did. The Stables has only just finished a refurbishment programme and at first glance it was very impressive. And we weren't disappointed - clean, modern, classy interior with an equally impressive English menu, the staff are all helpful and very friendly. So far we've only had a snack - I had sausage egg and chips and Judith had a roasted ham sandwich. But you can tell a lot from a simple meal like that. My eggs were perfectly cooked, the sausages were delicious (PLEASE don't change your supplier!!) and the chips were just right. I had a bite of one of Judith's ham sandwiches and I must confess I opened it up to take a look too! Great quality tasty ham AND they use butter.

We noted that the restaurant is opening on a Friday and Saturday evening with a very comprehensive menu which is excellent value. We're going along in a couple of weeks time to give it a try and we'll let you know how we get on.

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Picture not available

I'm excited! I've got a review coming in very soon for the restaurant at Rolls Royce Leisure in Barnoldswick - and I have to admit to an interest in this one as a club committee member.

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