Review: Euxton Mills Hotel, Euxton

4:50pm Wednesday 30th April 2008

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I hadn't had fish and chips for ages so when I saw it on the menu at the Euxton Mills pub I jumped at it straight away for a midweek lunch, knowing I'd be working late.

But I was a bit dubious, as I always am with fish in batter, because I hate greasy fish and soggy batter that is definitely not fresh from the fryer.

Fortunately, there was none of that here.

The cod was a corker, coated with fresh, crispy batter and there was no mistaking the heat to know it had just come out of the pan on to the plate.

Pity that can't be said for my friends' meals. The three of them chose a selection of chilli, lasagne and cajun chicken, all with chips and veg'.

While I tucked into my lovely fish with chunky, real' chips, my friends were disappointed that their meals were, at best, lukewarm.

It was almost as if they'd been microwaved and left on the side while my fish was finished off.

And there was nothing special to them either. My chilli' pal's meal lacked spice and flavour with a sauce that tasted like it had come out of a jar while the lasagne was rather "Dolmio-y" as my other pal put it, herself a fabulous cook whose definitely no food fool!

Again the chicken was nothing special. As with the other non-fish dishes it was edible but lacked something special.

And with prices starting from about £6 for main courses you'd expect a bit more effort.

Special meal deals for pensioners meant the place was packed with oldies and the surroundings were cramped with little room for arm space between tables.

But the waitress service was excellent and as sunny as the award-winning floral displays outside.

The menu has all the usuals for meat-eaters and veggies with meals for children too although it's more geared up for older visitors.

How did it fare? (Out of six stars): Food ***; Drink ***, Service *****, Atmosphere ***, Value ****.