The Strawbury Duck

The Strawberry... sorry... Strawbury Duck really is in the middle of nowhere! You have to drive up a single-berth road to get up to it, and then its just suddenly there. It's full of age and character, big chunky wooden beams, flagstone floors, rooms jutting off into different directions headed with various names in Olde English lettering, and comfortable tables and chairs scattered throughout and in cosy corners.

It's also nice to see that the pub is dog friendly, and various happy and well behaved dogs can be found lounging around in front of open fireplaces, curled up under tables, or hoping their respective owners might drop a bit of sausage. What's really nice is that there is even a small section on the menu offering various doggy treats, so your canine companions don't feel left out! That's a lovely touch.

As we walked in, we noticed most of the currently empty candlelit tables had 'reserved' signs on, showing the popularity and notoriety of the Strawbury Duck, and necessity of booking in advance. We were pointed to our tables, and given a couple of menus including the specials menu. A large chalk board on one wall proclaimed that the pie of the week was lamb and mint. Meanwhile another table next to us arrived, and their adorable greymuzzled dog curled up and relaxed on the floor. The decor is cosy, traditional, and a little rough and ready in parts. The bowls crammed full of plastic sachets of sauces and condiments on the tables I feel let the style down a little bit, reminding me a bit of a greasy spoon cafe, but with how popular they are, I assume this is a necessity.

From the menu we opted to try the starters of garlic butter mushrooms, and the rare breed chipolata sausages. I would describe service as friendly but basic, seeming to comprise of a no nonsense barman (owner?) and two young waitresses dashing about. As I say, service was friendly, but we were never given any names, nor did we feel anyone particularly went out of their way to look after us, but they did their job well, and with a smile.

The starters arrived. The mushrooms were cream and delicious, served with a wedge of bread, and the chipolatas were full of flavour, and came with a mild mustard mayonnaise which was a very tasty coupling.

After enjoying our starters, and chatting to the table next to us for a while, our mains arrived. We ordered the pie of the week, and the Strawbury Duck pan fried Goosnargh duck breast. Both were well presented, looking very appetising against the candlelight as the darkness drew in outside, and candled dotted around the pub flickered cheerfully.

The pie was the definition of a proper home-made pie, in a tin, with a good pastry lid. The filling was hot, perfectly seasoned, tender, and comforting. It came with fantastic big chunky chips which were crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and a side of buttered peas. Very tasty indeed.

The duck breast was really excellent, full of great flavour and a glaze/jus that would make anyone's eyes sparkle! The dauphinois potatoes and vegetables served with it were the perfect accompaniment.

The food in general really was superb. It was nice to read on the menu that they are dedicated to locally sourced produce, and even list their local suppliers.

For once, we decided that as the food was so good, even though we were pretty full, we were going to take a breather and go for a dessert! We ordered a chocolate fudge brownie and a sticky toffee pudding respectively. Both arrived in good time, were deliciously presented, and were a pleasing size each, not being a disappointing mini-dessert as so many places seem to offer now when offering hot puddings.

The sticky toffee pudding was rich, sweet and comforting, and the chocolate brownie was delicious and had just the right amount of chewiness to it. Both were really good.

The bill wasn't the cheapest we've had, but the quality of food really merited it, and they do have various special offers on through the week where you can get things like two for one on fish and chips, and two for one on a steak and grill night too. I think if they just added a little polish to certain aspects, such as service, and things like those plastic sachets of sauces on the tables, they could really add another layer of quality and service on top of their already popular and pleasant offerings.

What's certain though is that we will be back! If I didn't take my mum for sunday dinner at this place I think she'd disown me!

The Strawbury Duck
Overshores Road
Turton
Bolton
BL7 0LU
(01204) 852 013
www.thestrawburyduck.co.uk