This is really back to basics stuff, but I find the Waddington Arms, situated in the prolific Ribble Valley, does it exceedingly well. My lunchtime visit with family today was not the first time I had entered this quaint but pleasurable place, nor will it be my last I think, however it was very good indeed.
When someone says "a traditional pub", I feel several images and ideas come to mind, not all of them good. There's the "traditional" sticky floor, wall-to-wall fruit machines, five bouncers needed, maybe too lively, smashed glass pub. There's the "traditional" no fuss, simple, pint and scampi in a basket, local pub. Then there's the warming, all-welcoming, all base-covering, friendly "traditional" pub. And no doubt many more besides.
It seems to me that these days, somewhere that cherry picks various elements and pieces from the above, and blends them just right whilst adding plenty of their own signature touches, won't go far wrong. By and large, that's what the Waddington Arms does. Welcoming but not too intrusive staff. Good quality, well presented but not too fussy food. A cozy setting, helped by a roaring fire. An atmosphere of all comers, from the quiet few sat in a corner with the paper, to the noisy peck of middle aged women who got started an hour ago and who are going until the small hours. Tweak this combination a notch or two depending on preference and you get an idea of what the Waddington Arms offers. Simple as that.
Maybe it's just a lighter mood I was in this time, or maybe it just so happened everything came good in just the right measure on this particular occasion, that compelled me to write this post. Nevertheless I simply say - well done Waddi' Arms. Keep it up!
No comments:
Post a Comment