This traditional and cosy Yorkshire Dales Inn could be forgiven for having something of an identity crisis.
It sits in the village of Austwick, in the Three Peaks of Yorkshire area, firmly within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, yet the premises have a Lancashire (boo!) postcode and is run by a family from Brittany in France.
It is a long, low building facing onto the pretty village green in a quiet time-warp type village, yet only a mile or so from the manic A65 along which cars dash between West Yorkshire and the Lake District.
The tables outside offered a welcome rest for the feet of our happy band of hikers (we had just completed a ten mile circular from the inn and we were still gobsmacked by the panoramic views).
We could have gone around the rear to a child friendly and tiered beer garden, but decided to stay and watch the herd of sheep being shepherded down the village street.
The lure of the award winning draught Nutty Black beer proved too hard to resist, though there is also a fine selection of other hand pulled beers available at the cosy bar. The inn has been awarded a Cask Marque plaque for the excellence of their beers.
Had the weather proved inclement or had we visited in winter there is a roaring log fire to keep the spirits up.
There are four letting rooms here, three doubles and a twin, though the nature of the layout precludes en-suite facilities, there is a spacious house bathroom with bath, w.c. and separate shower.
The prices reflect this minor drawback, incredible value at £25 for B&B (2013).
The rooms are decorated in traditional style, are clean and comfortable, having a washbasin and a tv. Tea and coffee making facilities are also provided.
Meals are taken in the intimate and beautiful dining room, or when busy, in the small conservatory to the front of the building.
As you may expect, the inn has a Gallic twist to the menus and features traditional British and Mediterranean cookery as well as rustic Breton dishes.
Evening meals are supplied from Tuesday to Saturday with a Yorkshire Sunday lunch on….well, Sundays.
Tuesdays are Breton nights with Galettes and Crepes.
Wednesdays are French with fabulously tasty examples of all things Francais.
Thursdays are traditional steak nights, with tender sirloin steak and all the trimmings for under £11.
Fridays are fish n' chip nights.
All the beef, lamb and rabbits used in the dishes are from a local farm less then three miles away and a high percentage of the menu is prepared and made on the premises. Almost all of the suppliers are local to the area.
Mains are from £10 to £15 and include a selection of vegetables. Bargain!
If you are not in the mood for a main meal, there is a large section of hearty sandwiches which will not leave you hungry or broke.
The Gamecock Inn is the Thwaites Brewery Dining Pub of The Year 2013 and a finalist in their 'Best Customer Experience' awards.
I can certainly vouch for the friendly Yorkshire welcome and banter from the smiling staff, who make you feel right at home.
This place is a 'discovery' and one I'm glad we made. Perhaps when next whizzing up or down the A65, give it a thought and pay a visit. You will not be disappointed.
For further details go to www.gamecockinnaustwick.co.uk or set the sat-nav to LA2 8BB.
