NESTLING in the depths of the Ribble Valley is the Plate, the cafe bar which is part of the Backridge Farm complex.

After mooching around an array of small designer outlets and artisan workshops or even watching the llamas in their field, the Plate is the obvious next port of call.

It’s in a renovated barn, complete with flag floors exposed stonework and thick beams and has been extremely tastefully done – shame then about the name which conjours up two-for-one offers and plastic play areas.

The menu offers snacks and full meals with most ingredients locally sourced.

On a scorching day, I went for the ploughman’s while the better half chose the black pudding salad.

At £9.95 for a ploughman’s, I can sense eyebrows being raised all over the place, but honestly I have to say it was worth every penny.

Hunks of fresh, warm wholemeal bread; three large blocks of cheese, half a pig’s worth of ham plus pickles, apple and salad, it was a real plateful.

Same too for the salad which came with two poached eggs, bacon lardons and a pile of mixed leaves.

With Japanese Asahi beer on tap, it’s a great place to while away an afternoon.

If only they’d change the name.

VERDICT

  • Food: 8
  • Drink: 9
  • Service: 8
  • Atmosphere: 8
  • Value: 8