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STYLE OF VENUE

This is pub dining at its smartest: numbers on tables, order at the bar if you wish, but there is swift service.

ON THE MENU

There’s a good all-day menu with starters, salads, superior sandwiches up to 6pm. You are spoilt for choice if you want a three-course meal. There are pizzas from the woodstone oven, meat from the Inka charcoal oven and gastro-pub favourites. I enjoyed chicken liver pate and sourdough bread with chutney (£5.50) for starter. I followed it with half-roast duck with stir fry veg, basmati rice and plum sauce (£14.95): very good. My guest liked his prawns and Muncaster crab cocktail with avocado and lime creme fraiche (£7.50). He thought his tandoori chicken with mango and papaya salad and creme fraiche was tasty and authentic but the chicken a little overcooked. I recommend the Fishpool’s Eton Mess. Wow!

DECOR AND AMBIENCE

A large rustic room with lots of wood, textured furniture and quaint touches. The interior manages to include cosy corners as well as a large open area at the back looking onto fields and what will soon be a pleasant garden and outdoor dining area.

SERVICE

It was busy when we dined late on a Saturday afternoon and our young waitress forgot my side order. But, on the whole this is a very attractive well-run establishment and staff are on the ball.

COST

We dined well - five courses between us - with drinks and good coffee - for £63.

Louise Allen-Taylor

Fishpool Inn

Fishpool Road,

Delamere, CW8 2HP. 01606 883277