Looking for a great new pub lunch discovery this autumn? Then head to Shoulder of Mutton, a family run business whose great modern take on British pub food is well worth the trip.
Shoulder of Mutton won MFDF Food Pub Of the Year in 2012 for its contemporary take on time honoured British pub food, offering traditional pub food delivered with modern sensibilities.
This 18th century Inn located in the heart of Holcombe village, on the West Pennine slopes, is run by head chef Chris Yates.
Yates – who apprenticed to Andrew Nutter and guested at Gordon Ramsay’s - is one of the rising stars of the northern food scene and his dynamic attitude to transforming pub food is certainly getting results.
Yates ethos is to source food from local, fresh ingredients, with new dishes being refined and added to a seasonally changing menu. In contrast to the traditional and cosy atmosphere of this 18th century venue, the cooking methods at Shoulder of Mutton are bang up to date - the pub's ‘Eco Chef’ kitchen is a state of the art cooking suite, which helps create a modern twist on traditional food.
The dishes created here reference the best in traditional pub food, taking familiar, hearty dishes and delivering them via wonderful taste combinations and intricate flavourings.
Dishes from the new Seasonal menu include starters of chicken liver parfait and spiced butternut squash soup and mains of slow braised beef, roast black bream and wild mushroom ravioli, while an exciting Festive menu offers up such Christmassy gifts as roasted parsnip soup, roasted goosnargh turkey, sea bream, winter squash cannelloni and desserts of Christmas pudding sponge, traditional trifle, and chocolate fondant pudding with salted caramel and candied pistachio.
With its roaring open fires, friendly atmosphere and wonderful food, the pub attracts a mix of clientèle, from couples on a drive out searching for the perfect Sunday lunch, to families dining out together, to locals dropping in for a quick drink, to ramblers using the Shoulder of Mutton as the start or end point to one of the many local moorland walks. Kids and well behaved dogs are also very welcome.
Chris Yates is clearly a chef to watch, so why not embrace the autumn in a big cosy hug with a visit to the Shoulder of Mutton.
Get a great deal on the Shoulder of Mutton's new Seasonal menu. Two dine for £30 – starter, main and glass of prosecco for £15 each. Click here to get the deal
Win a 3 course festive meal for two plus bottle of wine Enter the competition
