No Bores here! (Old Bore at Rishworth)

Member Name: helencb

Product:	Old Bore at Rishworth
Date:	31/08/09 (115 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Outstanding local food, nice surroundings, nice location

Disadvantages: none

We recently called into the Old Bore at Rishworth on our way back from a trip to the Lancashire/Yorkshire border. We had no particular plans in mind other than to have a leisurely drive and Sunday Lunch on the way back home in one of the many pubs that scatter the moor roads in the region, and at the same time avoiding the M62.

The Old Bore at Rishworth is situated on Oldham Road very close to the M62 at Scammonden Water, in the village of Rishworth, which is close to Ripponden, and close to junction 22, so very easily accessible. The Old Bore certainly appealed for its location at the edge of the village, but we could tell that it had been modernised fairly recently. From outside the emphasis seemed to be on seasonal home cooking, in a traditional pub style. The beauty for us was that it was still serving Sunday Lunch fairly late on in the afternoon, so many pubs that offer that tend to be the chain variety which we avoid. On the downside, two courses cost £16.95 per person and three courses cost £19.95 per person and I did think that was a little indulgent for what was a largely functional lunch - so we almost walked away......

In the end, we bit the bullet and decided we would go in. The surroundings were very homely in feel, but they did have a slight contemporary twist, a mixing of the modern and the traditional. There were several areas of the pub, which is predominantly designed for eating not drinking, and we were directed to a nice four person table adjacent to the bar. I did notice the bar/restaurant has won plenty of awards including Dining Pub of the Year, one AA Rosette, and several others.

I didn't actually choose my wine, which was ordered by the glass, although wine was available from under £11 per bottle which is exceptionally reasonable. There is an exceptional wine list for a pub of its size, and I doubt anyone would be disappointed, and they carry a good range of beers, although we did not try any.

The Sunday lunch table d'hote menu had plenty of choice and as it is a seasonal menu, then it does change regularly. I opted for baked camembert with rocket and pine nut salad, while hubby opted for thai fish cakes which looked delicious, alas I did not get to taste. For the mains we both opted for a traditional Sunday lunch, one beef, one lamb, with huge Yorkshire puddings as one might expect in this region, together with seasonal vegetables and plenty of mashed and roasted potatoes, and a heavenly gravy.

Service was efficient but not intrusive. We were served warm rolls with a nice soft herb butter to start with, before our starters arrived, and although we had ordered our initial drinks at the bar, we had table service for our second round. The pub was pretty full despite it being quite late in the afternoon, always a good sign that the food has a good local reputation! From overhearing diners conversations at other tables, it was clear that everyone was genuinely enjoying their meals.

It was actually difficult to make a choice as all the food options sounded heavenly, as did the puddings, but although during my starter I was mentally plotting that additional course, I could not quite clear my plate for my mains, so I declined the pudding option. I did sneak a look at the regular menu for midweek, and the choice is really quite extensive, and I am already planning a repeat trip midweek. There is a midweek (Wed-Fri) lunch menu from £13.95 for those able to visit the area during those times.


I summary I think this is a great little find and I have no hesitation in recommending it whether for informal occasions or celebrations. Our total bill was just under £47 so it isn't perhaps the kind of place you would go every weekend, however worth it for a treat occasionally. The private dining room can seat between 12-24 and the venue also caters for larger private functions and weddings. They also have a sister restaurant at Thirsk.



www.oldbore.co.uk

Summary: A great little find - ideal for informal dining for friends and famillies.