Nelson Inn

Sep 25 2008 By Kevin Edge

For those looking for a bite to eat and an escape to the country for a few hours, Chorley's Nelson Inn could be the ideal getaway.

Situated deep in the countryside just outside Burntwood, the Nelson is difficult to find, but it is well worth the effort when you get there.

The pub and restaurant has been recently refurbished, giving it a modern, open-plan look and staff are welcoming and courteous.

Its location means diners can eat or drink on the patio area and enjoy the truly expansive view of the countryside. There is even a small children's play area to amuse the youngsters.

In fact, the whole place seems lost in time and adds to the feeling of escaping from the stresses of the modern world.

Inside the pub, the separate dining area is of a decent size and leaves you with a lot of personal space while eating. It is also decorated in light colours, giving it friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Of course all this mean nothing if the food is not up to scratch.

Fortunately, that is not the case at the Nelson.

The menu is varied and offers and wide selection of food and drink to suit any taste. Vegetarian and lighter options are also catered for.

My wife and I began with a starter of prawn tempura and pork belly draft.

The prawns were succulent and served with a delicious sauce. Likewise, the belly draft was also cooked to perfection, finished with an apple glaze.

For our main course, I opted for a steak fillet with chips. Arriving quickly, the steak was cooked to perfection, offering a distinctive smoked taste which put it well above most pub fare. It also benefitted from piping hot chips and side order of fresh salad. A prerequisite you would think, but for somebody who has attempted to digest cold or reheated chips in other country pubs, it was a welcome change.

My wife opted for haddock and chips. A huge portion in a thick and crispy batter, the fish again was a real monster and would satisfy any appetite. In fact, I would go so far to say it was one of the best traditional fish and chip meals we have sampled in the area.

There is also a wide selection of sweets, cheeses and desserts available for those who still have room. Liquers and rare spirits - including hard to find tipples like Wild Turkey - are also available at the pub.

In fact, the diverse selection extends so far as the pub's own specialist in-house lager, which, I can confirm, is worth a trek to the inn on its own.

During all the courses the staff were friendly and genuinely helpful. They never made you feel rushed and were willing to ask the cook to try out different combinations of food.

All in all, The Nelson is a place I can recommend for anyone wanting to get away from the town to enjoy a quiet meal.

Bookings: 01543 674438 0r 675504.