ME and my lovely girlfriend sought shelter from the horrendous North West weather to visit a renowned restaurant which has just re-opened to great acclaim after an extensive refurbishment.

And the staff at The Fenwick Arms, at Claughton, near Caton, were as welcoming as the pub itself, with its mixture of traditional and modern decor, wooden floors and warm colour scheme.

Owners Bowland Village Inns, the team behind The Plough, in Galgate, and the award-winning Punchbowl in Churchtown, Garstang, have provided a menu which is extensive and imaginative, with something for pretty much everyone.

Having banned myself from buying yet another cheeseburger, I opted for the Lancashire Lamb Hot Pot at £9.95, topped with roasted potato slices and featuring a plentiful supply of meat and lashings of gravy (as Britain’s number one gravy fan, I was in my element), served with sticky red cabbage.

My girlfriend chose gammon steak and egg — uniquely served with a quarter of a pineapple — and chunky chips which were extra big, golden brown and perfectly fluffy, for £10.95.

The food was delicious and very filling, and we felt as though we’d eaten three meals having listened to one customer who was having a lovely old time with his partner, ensuring everyone knew his opinions on the flavours on offer.

There was a party taking place in his mouth — and all of his fellow diners were invited.

“Oh, this vinegar is absolutely divine,” he cheered. “This bread is to die for,” he added, before hailing the virtues of the tomatoes in the south of France.

His appreciation of fine food knew no bounds, and he was certainly happy with his meal — as were we.