Stone Trough - Kelbrook

As soon as we walked in, the atmosphere felt distinctly different from the other pubs we'd visited. It had a cozy, home-like vibe, and the mood was quite lively... read more As soon as we walked in, the atmosphere felt distinctly different from the other pubs we'd visited. It had a cozy, home-like vibe, and the mood was quite lively, with many patrons appearing to know each other—definitely a working man's pub! You order your drinks straight from the bar, and if you want to eat, you just ask for a menu. Then, you can take your menu and drinks to whichever table you prefer. There's outdoor seating available too, and next to the entrance, there’s a coat rack with smoking jackets provided by the pub for those chilly evenings. Since the wedding reception seemed to be occupying the main dining area, we opted for one of the two tables across from the bar. The menu offered standard pub fare but had something for everyone. They also had a list of evening specials, but be cautious—Mr. Snarky and I received different specials menus. I decided to skip a starter after noticing Sticky Toffee Pudding on the dessert menu! We both ordered the Fish and Chips. Our waitress was incredibly friendly and attentive, considering how many tables she was managing. The Fish and Chips were delightful! While I prefer chips that are cooked a little longer, they were still quite tasty. However, the fish stole the show. The batter, made with one of the ales on tap, resulted in a beautifully dark finish when fried. It was light and didn’t overpower the fish, which was delicious! I tried the mushy peas but realized I’m just not a fan of them. As expected, I ordered the Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert while Mr. Snarky opted for the Knickerbocker Glory. Oh my, the Sticky Toffee Pudding was massive and beautifully presented! I was well into it when I suddenly remembered that I forgot to take a picture. Looks like we’ll need to come back for that, right? My only complaint was that there wasn't enough Sticky Toffee Sauce for such a large slice of cake, but I loved that it was served with Sticky Toffee Ice Cream, which melted perfectly on top of the warm cake! Mr. Snarky’s Knickerbocker Glory was also impressive. He initially thought the entire top was just whipped cream and sprinkles (or “Hundreds and Thousands” as I learned!), but there was actually another scoop of ice cream hidden beneath the whipped cream. So watch out if you’re not prepared for that scoop to potentially topple off the top of the glass! There’s a TV on the side, so sports fans need not worry about missing any games. The pub was very inviting, and our seats were comfy, perfect for a night of drinking and chatting with friends. For a pint of cider, a pint of soda, two large orders of Fish and Chips, a huge Sticky Toffee Pudding, and a substantial Knickerbocker Glory, our bill totaled just under £34. Fantastic value, wonderful food, and a great atmosphere!