Surprisingly enough, this lovely pub used to be a hospital in the recent past. Located just outside Haighton, “Haighton Manor northeast of Preston, the pub is set back from the road, has ample parking and a lovely area for dining alfresco. This was my first visit to this pub though my uncle and aunt had been there before. We had a table booked in advance (though it isn’t necessary as they keep a waiting list going if you don’t have a reservation) and had our meal in the garden room so we could take in the lovely scenery. There are many rooms to choose from, all of which are connected by the central bar area.
The service was prompt and the staff very attentive and friendly. The food was delicious. As we had our eyes on dessert, we opted not to have starters. My aunt had the South Indian spiced sea bass fillets baked in banana leaf with coconut sauce and lemon grass rice (£16.95) and it looked lovely. My uncle had the 10oz rump steak with Dijon and tarragon butter, portobello mushrooms, tomato and chips (£18.95). I had looked at the Yorkshire pudding (it was huge) that appeared at another table and thought about the roast beef but gave in to my favourite – the braised shoulder of lamb with dauphinoise potatoes, carrot mash and rosemary gravy (£17.25). We had been for a couple of walks during the day to build up our appetites otherwise I might have had some difficulty finishing off all the lamb. For dessert my uncle had the crème brûlée with shortbread biscuits (£5.50) and my aunt and I both had the lemon meringue tart with raspberry sorbet (£5.95), and no, we didn’t share, we each had our own. It was just light enough to finish off the meal.
Malgre le tort, which is on the crest outside the pub, translates into ‘despite the wrong’ and is on the Hoghton family crest, one of the previous owners of Haighton Manor. If eating here is wrong, I don’t want to be right.
“Haighton Manor Freehouse”:http://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/haightonmanor
