WE decided to eat out at the Royal Arms on our wedding anniversary - 18 years for anyone who's interested.

We had stumbled upon this charming little pub/restaurant during a family drive at Christmas and had enjoyed a drink.

We thought it so lovely we decided to return for a meal on our own, without the children.

It is a traditional old hostelry with welcoming coal fires and resident dogs. Perfect for a romantic meal for two.

It's a pleasant drive to Tockholes and had we chosen to eat at lunchtime - and the weather permitted - we could have enjoyed one of the walks around the pretty countryside surrounding the pub.

We had booked, as advised by the pub staff, because it's only a small place and can prove very popular at the weekend.

We started the night with drinks while we perused the menu.

It's an incredibly interesting and inviting menu, most unlike the usual pub grub you tend to get. Dishes are changed on a monthly basis by the adventurous chef - who adds his own special twist to dishes.

Having ordered red wine (£7.95), a half pint of lager (£1.15) and a lime and soda (just 65p) we continued to study the menu and the specials' board.

I opted for the pate (£3.25) which came complete with a very interesting salad, including celery leaves and home-made chunky bread which had been ever so lightly toasted. The pate was obviously home-made and very good.

My husband picked the mushrooms in a stilton sauce (£3.25) and although he assured me they were delicious I felt obliged to give them a try. They were exactly as he said.

Having finished our starters we waited for our main courses to be served and didn't have to wait too long.

Then came a beautifully cooked steak Diane (£11.25) - sirloin steak in a cream, wine and mushroom sauce - and a rather delicious-looking pheasant dish (£7.95) which was my husband's choice. They were steaming hot, which is always a good sign.

Both came with mashed potatoes - and very creamy they were too - sliced courgettes and carrots cut in large chunks which was unusual and we've replicated the style at home since. How nice, for once, not to get the usual pub staple of chips with everything.

The main courses were filling and we had both agreed that a sweet would be a step too far.

Once it was offered, though, we decided it would be impolite to refuse and the sweets just sounded so tempting.

I went for sticky toffee pudding, with ice cream and cream and my husband chose hot chocolate fudge cake with ice cream.

Sweets range in price from (£2.95 to £3.25).

We had two coffees and one brandy and the bill came to just under £46.

It was not the cheapest meal we have ever eaten in a pub but certainly ranked among our favourites for both quality and atmosphere.

The menu is interesting. You could have kidneys to start with (£3.95) or smoked mackeral pate (£3.25) and main course included grilled venison (£8.95), the rice dish jambalaya and sole (£7.25). Vegetarians could have chilli stir-fried spaghetti or mushroom stroganoff (both £4.95).

We will be going back again and perhaps next time we'll take the children.

Look out for special nights at the Royal Arms. Every Wednesday night is curry night with a meal for two for £10 and Friday is fresh fish day - with fish specials on offer. There are also regular theme nights.

The Royal Arms, Tockholes

Tel: 01254 705373.

Opening times: Pub hours for drinks. For food: Tuesday to Saturday noon to 8.45pm, Sunday noon to 7.45pm. Closed Monday.

To get there: Take Belmont Road out of Bolton, turn right into Tockholes Road and the pub is on the right next to the Tockholes Visitors' Centre.

Star rating ****