Traditional hospitality

The special BEN plaque -- one of only two in the prestigious annual competition -- goes to the Strawbury Duck at Entwistle on the outskirts of Bolton.

The pub itself -- with its stone floors and ancient beams -- dates back to 1900, and the adjoining cottages are 300 years-old. But it has built up a very modern reputation for entertaining.

Its hospitality, however, is traditional -- thanks to the hard work of licensees Roger and Lisa Boardman.

They have been at the well-known pub buried in the countryside beyond the Wayoh reservoir for just over a year.

And the results of their labours now see a packed pub daily, with customers drawn to the Strawbury Duck from a wide area.

What attracts them -- apart from the eight different beers and regular additions -- is an extensive array of food made on the premises.

Roger is the chef -- the couple head a staff of around 15, including part-timers -- and he smiles when he says they have been so busy, he "hasn't left the pub for the last nine months."

"Ninety nine per cent of all our food is fresh," he added. "Our dishes are made on the premises, and people seem to appreciate this."

And, while dishes like Drunken Bullock and, not too surprisingly, Strawbury Duck, are very popular, customers appreciate a real menu variety including special offers like Rambler's Winter Warmer.

These dishes accurately reflect the fact that keen customers arrive on foot, by car and by train (via the remote station nearby). And Roger and Lisa are grateful that the BEN award is a reflection of the hard work they have already put in at the Strawbury Duck.

"We want to continue getting it right, we hope," explained Roger, who with Lisa has been in charge of establishments all around the country.

"I used to work at the Swan Hotel years ago, and always liked the Strawbury Duck.

"When we were at other places, we wanted to come here. Now we are here, we'd just like to stay now and keep on doing well... we really love it."