Ribchester: The White Bull

12:16pm Thursday 15th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

I had been trying to book a table at the White Bull for weeks - every time I was told "Sorry we're fully booked".

But then one Wednesday with my tastebuds starting to tingle at the thought of devouring some good food, I decided to give it one last try- my persistence paid off and we were seated in the dining room of the lovely country pub.

The smells from the kitchen and the relaxed atmosphere confirmed why I had found it so difficult to get a table.

Perusing through the menu, we were spoilt for choice with so many dishes with combinations that were making my mouth water.

After much deliberation, I opted for the confit leg of duck as my starter, and my better half looked rather bemused when the waitress told him the soup of the day was cullen skink, but it had stirred his interest and he decided to give it a go.

Both were delicious, the duck was perfectly accompanied with savoy cabbage, smoked bacon and a tangy onion marmalade.

My partner also raved about his soup. It was apparently just divine, with its smokey and delicate fish flavour.

For main I had the rosemary roasted rump of lamb and my partner had the poached smoked haddock.

The lamb was cooked beautifully and the vegetables were just right. The haddock was scrumptious and the soft hen's egg and mustard sauce went extremely well with the fish.

The night got better when we got the bill. The food, two drinks each and a cheeky whisky for me came to £45.

How did it fare? (out if six stars): Food ***** Drink ***** Service ***** Atmosphere ***** Value ******