On the spur of the moment early on a Sunday evening, we decided to give the newly-refurbished Brown Cow Inn a try at Denholmegate outside Thornton.

Fortunately for the three of us, there was room to squeeze us in early doors, and we took our seats straight away in the new dining area round the corner from the main bar, all of which has undergone a cosy refit in soothing pine decor, to set the mood for a relaxing evening.

As usual, there's a blackboard choice back in the bar, but also quite an extensive menu at the table, which includes children's choices, nothing over-fancy, but good-sounding pub-restaurant fare.

The home-made soup variety was broccoli and stilton, which became the choice of my wife Liz and myself, while our daughter Madeleine went for her usual garlic bread opener - this one with a cheese topping.

Both selections turned out to be excellent, our soups having a real tasty edge and coming with bread rolls.

There was pleasant gentle banter with the host, and a calm air to the serving, but still prompt enough, especially for a leisurely Sunday evening, and it didn't take long to bring our main courses.

My choice had been steak and Guinness pie, but the Guinness wasn't available, so I 'made do' with steak and ale pie instead. It was delicious, coming as it did with home-made chips and a good selection of vegetables.

Madeleine had her favourite roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, while Liz tucked into a gigantic Barnsley chop with minty gravy which was creeping over the edge of her plate.

I was replete after my main course, but Liz found room for a rhubarb crumble with custard - although the custard was a little bit on the thin side - and Madeleine ploughed her way through four flavours of ice cream, and declared herself well satisfied.

With coffees, topped up if we wanted, the final bill had come to a very respectable £32 for the three of us, and the Brown Cow became another place to bear in mind for a pleasant way to end the weekend in future.

Doug Akroyd

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.