The Royal Oak Hotel is so olde worlde that you can imaging a weary, dusty travellers getting out of the stagecoach and demanding a flagon of the landlord's finest and a hearty meal.

Times may have changed in terms of transport but I'm pleased to report a 200 year-old traveller would still have his wish granted on the food and drink front.

From the two-foot thick stone walls and heavy wooden furniture, the Royal Oak oozes cosiness.

The bar offers a fine range of wines and beautifully cared-for beers and the food on offer is genuinely home cooked and plentiful.

Look out for the massive blackboard full of specials for some interesting dishes.

From there I chose the ham hock in a pineapple and parsley sauce and the better half chose diced pork with apple.

A large vat of Chablis for herself and a Diet Coke for me took our bill to £28.60.

The ham hock was a little over fatty for my liking and the sauce, though tasty was a little rich.

The home made chips were excellent, however and the fresh vegetables cooked just right.

The pork was a much better choice with lean, tender pieces of meat in a lovely sauce.

FOOD 7 DRINK 9 SERVICE 7 ATMOSPHERE 8 VALUE 7

The Royal Oak Hotel is in Riley Green, Hoghton.