After the shock closure of Guy’s Thatched Hamlet in February, there was some concern for this canal-side location, but the speedy takeover and re-opening of Owd Nell’s Tavern at The Thatched Hamlet in April created excitement for Preston surrounding the development of this Lancastrian institution.
We visited on a lovely sunny Sunday, arriving in the afternoon for a canal walk followed by tea at Owd Nell’s. A quick look around The Thatched Hamlet reminded me how unique the place really is. It seemed some of the accommodation was open, but many of the little buildings in the walk up-to the Tavern were currently unused whilst work was being done on others. After a lovely walk observing the canal’s cygnet, duckling and damsel fly populations as well as drying up toddler tears after the wind sent her hat flying into the canal, we returned to Owd Nell’s to be seated at our table by a window looking out to the canal.
The menu was varied with something for everyone and there’s a children’s activity menu too. As it was Sunday, I went for the French Trimmed Chicken Roast Dinner (£18.95), Simon chose the Steak and Kidney Pudding (£16.95), and B wanted a Cheese Sandwich (£9.50). I double checked, “You want a cheese sandwich? For your tea?” And the reply was simply, “Yep.” Okay. We also ordered the Breaded Brie Bites starter to come with the mains. Simon was on the beer with a pint of Fell Brewery Continuity Break (£4.90) and B and I went for icy orange cordial.
We just had time for a toilet visit and a little wander outside before the food arrived, taking around ten to 15 minutes, which was great service. B tucked in, and while there’s not much to say about a cheese sandwich, the bread was thick and fresh and the cheese was sliced, therefore not as messy as grated cheese, which goes all over the show. Ban grated cheese on kids sandwiches. Who’s in?
Now on to normal evening food. My roast dinner was tasty, the chicken was perfectly cooked and seasoned well, as were the vegetables, the stuffing had a lovely flavour, but the gravy’s salt content was quite overpowering, and the Yorkshire pudding was a little hard and dry around the top. Simon enjoyed his ‘Babby’s Head’ and said the suet was perfect; thick, tasty, and moist even before adding gravy. There was plenty of the flavourful, well-seasoned, meaty filling and after trying it, I had to agree it was rich and delicious. The Brie bites were yummy, but I’m not sure you can go wrong with melted brie in breadcrumbs with a cranberry sauce. Mmmm.
Our plates were taken away and dessert menus appeared. B had decided on ice cream (£2.95) before we even arrived so she dragged Daddy off for a walk. I had to call someone over to order, perhaps they thought we weren’t ready to order as I was sat on my own but I’m also often finding in restaurants these days, that the time between finishing the main and someone coming to take your dessert order is getting longer. I’m not sure why and it’s quite annoying, especially when the little one’s bedtime is looming. Anyway, I ordered a Chocolate Fudge Sundae (£7.95) and Simon had a pint of Bowland Black keg stout (£5.50) for his dessert.
I can’t often snap a photo of B’s food before she’s already shoved her cutlery or hands in, but ice cream is ice cream and she scoffed the lot. My sundae was exactly what I wanted, chocolate and vanilla ice cream, cream, sauce, and chunks of brownie. Simple sundae evening perfection. Beer-wise Simon was excited to see the Holmes Mill influence had led to a return of the cask ale variation Owd Nell’s was once famous for, whilst a couple of decent craft keg beers have also appeared. However, he was slightly disappointed as both beers arrived in ‘bubbly’ dirty glasses leaving them lifeless and tasteless. New glass washer needed.
The total was (£78.95), which is pricey with the cheese sandwich and Brie bites seeming overpriced. Overall, it was good pub grub, in a lovely location but due to the price we may look elsewhere next time for tea. We’ll definitely return, perhaps for lunch or something exciting that comes along with the future developments, which is more than likely given how Holmes Mill has developed over the years.
Tried Owd Nell’s yet? How was it? Let me know below.
