IT was a glorious day, as I set off for this week’s pub review.

A semi-rural setting on the outskirts of Colne being my beery destination.

I think it’s fair to say that the Emmott Arms in Laneshawbridge has had a fluctuation of fortunes in recent times. It had certainly struggled under its previous owner, Enterprise Inns, who after having had a succession of tied tenants closed the pub in 2011.

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It was put up for sale and sold at auction.

Thankfully, for the local residents, it was purchased by Mark and Joy Rawstron. Now it’s a successful and popular establishment as an independently run, free house.

It has a typical old fashioned village pub interior.

Low beamed ceilings, dark oak furnishings, roaring fires and Turkey red rugs scattered on both its wooden and flagstone flooring.

It’s quite a spacious hostelry, with one main, open plan bar/dining area and a dining/function room. Scattered cushions are in plentiful supply on it’s benched seating.

Along with lots of old fashioned ornaments and knick knacks it all gives the pub a cosy and warming environment.

So, to the most important part of the visit, for me personally.

Identifying the cask ales on offer.

There was a decent selection, on the impressive L-shaped, dark oak panelled bar.

Four ales in total.

I plumped for the Ilkley Gold.

A refreshing, caramel malt flavoured ale, with a hint of citrus.

It was in excellent condition. However, at £3.20, rather pricey for a 3.9 per cent slurp.

Others available included Worsthorne Red Man, Lancaster Blonde and Tetley’s Bitter. All priced at £2.95.

Owner, Joy Rawstron said: “Our customers like our range of ales. Tetley’s is our best seller, closely followed by Lancaster Blonde. The Worsthorne beers are popular too.”

It was relatively quiet, as you would expect for a Tuesday afternoon. However, there was a group of friendly patrons from Rochdale, enjoying the home cooked, traditional food, from the pubs extensive menu. They remarked that it was delicious and was being thoroughly enjoyed.

Joy said:” Our food is very popular. It gets very busy at weekends, when we have a special additional menu - and booking is advised.”

There was just time before my bus to venture outside and sit in the enclosed beer garden at the rear of the pub. Lots of benched tables here.

Joy said: “In the summer months it looks lovely,with all the hanging baskets and potted flowers. It gets the sun for most of the day - a proper sun trap.”

You have to admire how this pub has been saved. It could have so easily been lost forever in 2011. Thankfully, Joy and Mark Rawstron had the vision to recognise that the Emmott Arms had still a vital role to play within the Laneshawbridge community - as a village pub.