Parker's Arms, Newton-in-Bowland - Revisited (again)

It's one of my happiest places, and no matter what happens, always will be. The Parker's Arms in Newton-in-Bowland is the most magical of locations. It's like going visiting family who welcome you home like you've been missed dearly, and want to feed you up because you've clearly neglected yourself. AJ, Stosie and Kathy are the most beautiful of people, with warm hearts and a burning desire for all who enter to have the most wonderful of times. 

Now then, what to do on the most glorious day of the year so far? The brief is this; a ride out to somewhere in the countryside, a spot of lunch in the sun, and a nice walk afterwards. It had to be the Parker's. 

Just a short drive past Clitheroe and through Waddington is the tiny village of Newton. When you walk through the door of the Parker's, the delightful AJ will be there to greet you, and have a drink in your hand before you've even finished mithering the first dog you've met (French bulldog in our case). With it being such a stunning day, we decided to sit outside to soak up some rays, and bask in the glory of the picturesque countryside.

Sweet potato skins: Sweet, crispy and delightfully salty, these came with home made wild garlic mayo. I've never seen these anywhere else, and serve as an instant reminder of Stosie's skill when it comes to delicious simplicity.

Chicken liver parfait with pickles and chutney: The sweet and tart flavours combined were perfect for a sunny day. All home made and in perfect proportion.

Chicken pie with wild garlic sauce: They use their own wild garlic when it's in season, which is the most delicate of flavours. This is pie perfection right here. The pastry is light and buttery, and the portion size just perfect. Any more than this may kill you dead. That would ruin the ambience in a heartbeat.

Lamb and mint pie with lamb fat crust: Jeez Louise. This was the star of the show in my eyes. Not the obvious choice when sat in blazing heat, but I trusted in Stosie's pie power. Again, not so big that you're likely to have a cardiac arrest on the way home, but perfectly satisfying in every way. A special shout out goes to the world's best mash, so buttery that I think my arteries decided to keep some as a souvenir. I'm furious just looking at it, shining like a shiny temptress...

I've always wanted to go and explore the picturesque river just next door, but previous trips have been marred by snow, rain, over-eating or just being riverbank blocked! Not this day my friends. I was going. Newton hit new heights of cuteness when I discovered that locals were having a duck race. Enid Blyton would have been just ecstatic. So the Terrific Two hoofed it over a bridge, and down to the banks just as the race had finished, to be left with the most stunning of scenes, watching little fish play in the shallows, whilst we reflected on the most perfect afternoon. Life really is fantastic.

Go here to make yourself happy. The Parker's Arms can do no wrong in my eyes. I have never yet had anything but the most fantastic meals here, and recommend them to pretty much everyone I know. Say 'hi' to AJ for me if you visit.

God that was a joy to write.