The Polished Knob in the Lancashire/Yorkshire border town of Todmorden, has been getting lots of favourable comments for quite a while now — so it was time for me to go and see what all the fuss was about.

The pub has a most attractive exterior and is ideally situated in the town centre — across from the market and the bus station.

It was built in 1902 by the former Burnley brewer Massey's —and as you walk into the spacious open-planned area, you first see the Massey's emblem, embedded in the impressive tiled area in front of the bar.

The pub has lots of seating and tables and also boasts a roomy, 60 seat function room/cafe upstairs — with its own bar.

The main bar downstairs was built by the owner and former cabinet-maker Chris Hartley.

It’s a lovely feature, made of solid oak and a mahogany top.

Chris and his wife Claire bought the pub three years ago and I got a most friendly welcome from them and the regulars at the bar.

There are six rotating ales at this free house, and from Monday to Friday (until 5pm) they are priced at just £2 a pint (£2.30 after five, Friday and at weekends Claire said: “We buy from eight independent brewers, all local, from both sides of the border — including Bridestones (Hebden Bridge), Pennine (Rossendale), Naylors (Crosshills) and Burnley brewer Worsthorne, currently being sold at £1.50. It’s a special offer we have Monday to Friday.

“There is also a good selection of lagers on the bar. The strong lager, Peroni, is just £2.50 during the week — and £3.10 at the weekend. It sells very well,” Claire added.

It was also good to see a mild beer on the bar.

Claire explained: “We like to have a good balance of beers, not too strong — and the mild is very popular.

“The Thwaites Nutty Black is on almost all the time but we do have other mild ales on.”

It’s a most welcoming pub, and regulars were eager to tell about this fine watering hole.

One such regular patron, was Stewart Connor.

He said: “It's so friendly in here, it’s a lovely pub, and I particularly love the second Monday of the month, as the Walsden Rat Pack are entertaining us soon — they are a special band.”

The two-man band are part of the pub’s live entertainment.

They play 70s and 80s, mainly, and the pub was packed with a friendly, mature audience as Pete and Pat went through their repertoire.

There is live music every Friday and Saturday — along with karaoke on Sundays, at the Polished Knob. Home-cooked food is also on the menu – and is served from Wednesday to Sunday.

I will certainly visit this fine hostelry again, very soon.

A traditional, friendly boozer, that offers an excellent range of ales — at outstanding value.

A warm, welcoming atmosphere — and in owners, Chris and Claire Hartley, you have a couple totally dedicated to providing first-class hospitality and service to the local area.