HIDDEN away in the heart of the Lune Valley is Tunstall, where The Lunesdale Arms has built an excellent reputation for its food, drink and atmosphere.

Run by Emma Gillibrand and her friendly team, this is a venue which is well worth taking a diversion to, wherever you may be heading.

And, tempted though I was by all of the options on the mouthwatering menu, I eventually plumped for the chicken supreme with sauteed potatoes and vegetables (£9.25) and my girlfriend decided on good old bangers and mash served with red wine gravy and caramelised onions (£9.25).

It’s a warm and cosy establishment, with exposed wooden beams and matching tables and chairs, and having ordered, we slouched and relaxed on the comfy sofas by the log fire before the food arrived.

The chicken – three hefty and filling cuts – was perfectly tender, and I was struck by the presentation, with carrots delicately resting on runner beans, and the crisp potatoes nestled on a bed of chicken pieces.

My ever-increasing tummy was full, but I couldn’t resist a glimpse of the puddings board, from which my girlfriend chose the chocolate brownie and ice cream (£4.95).

My eye was caught by the local cheeses with oatcakes (£5.25) because I am rarely able to ignore the lure of a cheese board.

As a child, I was a fussy eater whose Sunday roast would often consist of mashed potato, gravy and a huge block of cheese, because I could not bear the texture and appearance of chicken, beef, pork and lamb until I reached my teens. My poor parents!

So cheese has been a trusty ally throughout my life – I have the belly to prove it – and I was in my element here.

I am a bit of a chatterbox and the fact that I managed to stop talking for more than two minutes was testament to this majestic slice of cheese heaven.

We left fully sated and agreed to return sooner rather than later.