WITH so much competition in the crowded eating out market place nowadays any newcomer has to work hard to make a good impression. And the staff at the new Tom Cobleigh family pub/restaurant The Cotton Kier certainly made us feel welcome. On the weekday evening we visited a bright friendly smile from the waitress who genuinely seemed pleased to be serving us put everything on the right footing.

This latest addition to Bolton's leisure scene is just a stone's throw from the new Virgin Cinema and likely to become a popular pre or post movie eating place. The Cotton Kier is a large and roomy pub, but there are plenty of small alcoves at the sides so diners who want a bit of privacy can tuck themselves away.

A real fire was blazing near our table to add to the warm and friendly mood.

Children are put high on the agenda with their own varied menu full of dishes designed to appeal to younger tastes.

And there is a mouthwatering selection of main courses for adults, many with an individual twist.

I chose the beef in three mustard sauce - a dish full of succulent meat - in delicious sauce which had real bite.

My partner opted for the casseroled lamb, and having sampled a piece I can report that it was also delicious with perfectly cooked meat.

Some of the other tempting items on the menu include warm Acapulco salad, Texan Chilli and Thai spiced salmon salad.

The boys made their selections from the TC Funtime menu - meatballs and chips and sausages, potato faces and beans. All meals are priced £2.25, which we felt was excellent value. Clean plates showed the dishes had passed the taste test with flying colours.

The main courses were sensible portions without being over-facing, meaning everyone had the appetite for dessert.

We both opted for the citrus tart which was nice and light after the meat dishes and quite tangy.

The boys chose Pigs In Mud (a chocolate mousse with candy) from the children's menu, and profiteroles from the main menu. Both were eagerly consumed and voted a hit.

The total bill for the food came to £23.38. A selection of soft drinks from the bar added about another £5.

Vegetarians are well catered for with a large number of items suitable for them on the main menu. There is also a Vegetarian Choice section including dishes such as Sicilian pasta penne, Caerphilly and leek tart and harvest vegetable pudding.

Parking is easy with a large car park directly outside. Access for the disabled is also simple with a large area of the pub on one level. Mark Longbottom

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