THE Cross Guns pub is a famous landmark but this popular hostelry is now gaining recognition for its food. The pub, sited at the north end of Egerton, continues to hold its appeal with its oldie world charm and excellent beer - but one half is devoted to Ollie K's Brasserie, specialising in home cooked food.

With so many restaurants providing quick heated up meals it is always a pleasure to eat freshly prepared food and I was not disappointed when I sampled the Sunday lunch.

The Sunday menu is not as extensive as the rest of the week but there was enough on offer to suit most people's pallettes.

For starters, I had delicious home-made pate, while others in my party were equally satisfied with melon and mushrooms cooked in garlic and stilton. Alternatives included soup and mussels. The main course choice comprised of sirloin of beef with Yorkshire pudding, pork, lamb, turkey korma, vegetarian lasagne and fish.

My choice of fish comprised a generous portion of tasty salmon and cod fillets. Others plumped for the mouth-watering lamb which was a real winner and the sirloin of steak, which although plentiful, proved a little tough.

Boiled potatoes, carrots and cabbage accompanied the meal.

The Inn is a relaxing place. Two adjoining rooms are set aside for the restaurant which is divided into smoking and non-smoking sections - always a big bonus in my book. Wheelchair access appeared acceptable with just one small step to negotiate.

After a break to let the main course settle, it was on to the home-made sweets which again could not be faulted.

I had a wonderful blackcurrant crumble with custard, while other options included steamed sponge pudding, cheese and biscuits, chocolate torte and home-made ice cream.

My nine-year-old daughter could have had a small portion from the main course or a choice of three items from a children's menu at £3.95. She chose a large bowl of pasta with chicken and followed it up with ice cream included in the price.

Prices are £6.50 for just the main course, £8.50 for two courses or £9.95 for three courses, with £2 extra for the lamb.

Choice of vegetarian dishes seemed somewhat limited.

Selection

There is a nice slection of wine on offer but I stuck with the bitter - Timothy Taylor's Landlord or Bolton's own Bank Top brew takes some beating wherever you are.

Apart from the restaurant, which opens at lunchtime and 7pm each evening and all day Sunday, substantial bar snacks are also served from 6.30pm each evening.

DAVID MAGILTON

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