IF you fancy a meal out but cannot face keeping the kids in check, a trip across the moors towards Rochdale could be just what you are looking for.

These days most pubs and restaurants claim to be family friendly but the Manor is one of a handful completely geared up for children. And it is the best I have come across for making an effort to ensure, as far as possible, that parents enjoy a hassle-free meal.

During our visit nothing was too much trouble for the friendly staff who must have nerves of steel to work in this pub/restaurant recently revamped and re-opened as an experimental parents- only establishment.

Couples and child-free groups are re-directed to a nearby adult only, Brewers Fayre restaurant, allowing children the freedom to wander around the light, airy slightly Gothic, pub -style interior without fear of disturbing diners without children.

We arrived at about 6.30pm towards the end of a very hectic, pre-Christmas Sunday shift and were disappointed to learn we would not be able to get a table for about half an hour.

In the end this did not prove a problem - the hungry children were distracted by a free, well-staffed, soft indoor play area which also boasts a toddler' section, two Sony Playstations, a number of activities and a quiet corner to watch videos.

A security wristband system which sets off an alarm if children go near the outside door, means even toddlers can explore the play room and different dining areas in safety. This, combined with the ingenious use of CCTV, means you can enjoy your meal without forever having to get up to check on the kids.

The wide-ranging menu is standard chain fare with about ten traditional starters such as prawn cocktail, soup, pate and spicy chicken wings ranging from £1.40 to £2.99.

Steak at £8.70 is the most expensive item on a large main menu divided into sections - something different, traditional favourites, prime cuts, pasta and extra large platters. Vegetarian dishes are limited but there are also snacks, sandwiches and separate menus for younger and older children. Some of the selections carry a Weightwatchers points score.

The children wolfed down their sausage, mash and beans (£2.95) which was provided as soon as we were seated at the suggestion of a helpful member of staff who heard us moan that they might be too hungry to wait.

This kindly action left us to enjoy our meal in peace while we watched the children having fun in the play room on a TV screen in the dining area.

We decided to give the starters a miss and two of us chose the traditional roast (£5.85). The potatoes, carrots and peas were the usual pub meal standard but the half roast chicken was very tasty and succulent and there were plenty of trimmings.

The other half opted for a curry feast (£7.45) and enjoyed the chicken tandoori and vegetable curry served in stainless steel bowls with a portion of perfectly cooked rice, naan bread and mango chutney.

For pudding I opted for a butter pecan sundae which was a ready made version in plastic container slipped inside a glass dish. My fellow diner enjoyed her chocarocka chocolate cake served with cream.

But by far the best value pudding was reserved for the kids. For 99p they got a sundae dish which, as far as we could make out, allowed them as many visits as they wanted to Charlie Chalk's ice cream factory - an area where they could help themselves from a whipped ice cream machine. The dessert came with a tub of sweets to pour on top of the ice cream.

Larger than life fun character Charlie Chalk put in two appearances to amuse the kids during our two and a half hour visit .

But by far the best thing about the Manor is the child-friendly ethos. Brewery chiefs have decided that mixing families with childless diners can be stressful for both groups and have set up several, experimental parent-only eateries dotted around the country.

The endlessly patient staff in harlequin aprons do not take on full baby-sitting responsibilities but, while we were there, they picked up fallen toddlers with a smile, wiped away any tears with balloons and generally did all they could to take the pressure off parents.

Asking them to change a nappy might have pushed their goodwill just a bit too far but they even managed to come up with some wet wipes to replace those I had forgotten.

At £38.65 for three adults and two children, including coffee and a few drinks, I thought it was good value.

The Manor, a former manor house which was also a small hospital and a disco before being taken over as a Brewers' Fayre, has ramp access to the front door and one eating section without stairs. It is situated on the main road between Edenfield and Rochdale at Norden and has ample parking and outside play area.

Be warned, it is reputedly very busy (and noisy) during school holidays and other peak times but if you want to make a day of it, the Bleakholt animal sanctuary is on the same road and the steam trains in Ramsbottom are just a few miles away. JANET HUGHES

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.