It was lovely to be asked back to The Helsby Arms once again to sample the great culinary delights on offer. New Head Chef, Lee Fish has brought with him fresh ideas and skill to enhance this popular eating establishment.

Licensee's Carole and Steve were delighted when Lee agreed to join them in April especially as with his previous employer they were awarded Cheshire Life Restaurant of the year 2008/2009.

It was a beautiful Friday evening as we arrived and the atmosphere reflected this. Families, couples and small groups of friends enjoying good company and great food at the end of a busy week.

As usual the staff were quickly on hand to show us to our table where we enjoyed a welcome drink as we perused the menu. As Chris is a particular fan of cask beer, he is always pleased when it is on offer and the Black Sheep didn't disappoint!

Above the fireplace, which was attractively lit with a cluster of candles in the grate we found the specials board offering two starters and main meals in addition to the good variety of dishes available on the menu.

To start with I chose the beautifully presented slices of Buffalo Mozzarella and Beef Tomatoes with a fresh pesto dressing and accompanied by a mixed salad. Perfect for this time of year - refreshing and fragrant, a particular favourite of mine.

Chris enjoyed the Morecambe Bay muscles, served in a light sauce flavoured with red onion and herbs which he proclaimed as being very tasty. Although a favourite, this is something that we never cook at home but that's the beauty of eating out!

For the more traditionalists Homemade soup with warm crusty bread or Nest of cantaloupe melon with fresh strawberries was on offer along with four other choice of starters including the very popular Black pudding fritters in Black Sheep best beer batter with an English mustard dip. This didn’t appeal to me but I have it on very good authority that this dish is hitting the country by storm!

So on to the main course….

Very reasonably priced between £8.80 and £11.99, several dishes caught my eye and I was spoilt for choice. Would it be the Poached Salmon on wilted rocket with new potatoes bound together with Philadelphia and prawn chive butter sauce or the Marinated vegetables, oven roasted and glazed with local brie served with cous cous infused with chives?

I finally decided on the latter - oven roasted sliced aubergine, courgette and peppers, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and bursting with flavour, I have never tasted red peppers quite like them - I must ask Lee his secret!

The Pinot Grigio Rosé, being a lighter, drier Rosé than some others was a perfect accompaniment to this dish especially on such a balmy summers evening.

Chris’s choice was Oven roast rump of lamb with rosemary and wild garlic served on a creamy mash with root vegetables and red wine sauce. The substantial portion of sliced lamb met approval as did the Australian Shiraz, which he swished it down with! A deep, spicy, rich wine which we later found out to be one of the best sellers. Most wines on the wine list were in the range of £12 - £15 per bottle with many available by the glass.

Time for dessert…

Although rather full I have a duty to my readers! So I was persuaded by the chef's choice of Home made brioche summer pudding with Devonshire clotted cream and I'm glad I was! It was absolutely divine - an individual summer pudding bursting with fresh berries and smothered in the most mouth watering fruit sauce, a real hit.

Chris, who hasn't got a sweet tooth is always pleased when a cheese board is on offer and was suitably impressed when he was presented with significant wedges of cheese, apple slices, celery, homemade chutney and a good variety of biscuits to round off his meal perfectly.

All in all - the superbly presented food at The Helsby Arms is akin to à la carte but without the expense or compromise on portion size!

Quality Sunday Roasts continue to be popular with unlimited roast potatoes and freshly steamed vegetables for £8.95 or £12.20 with any delicious starter or dessert. Children's portions are available.

We were interested to hear about the Saturday BBQ's, which are proving very popular. Check out the website or Twitter for forthcoming dates, then pop along and enjoy the delicious BBQ on offer - perfect if you haven't had time to prepare yourself.

Don't forget, hot & cold sandwiches and baked potatoes are also available 12-6pm if you just fancy a snack. Or, if you've got the munchies whilst out for a drink in the evening then 'Snacks from the Kitchen' such as hand cut chips and dips, lamb & fennel kebabs with mint yogurt, mini focaccia bread with balsamic and olive oil etc are just the job!

Excellent food and excellent value for money, thank you!

Real Food - Real Ale - Real Pub

Chester Road, Helsby, Cheshire, WA6 0JE
Tel:01928 724618