Reviews in Lancashire

It was reading lovely reviews like these that made me book a rare and cherished night out with my husband at Freemasons. We were very disappointed. The food was poor - particular mention goes to the smoke filled Chicken livers which were poorly presented and vile. My fish of the day swam across the plate in a pool of butter. The service was completely underwhelming, at a good restaurant, when provided with feedback regarding a course that has barely been touched (the chicken livers) one would expect action of some sort. Nothing was done. The person we paid at the end of the night was completely unaware, and to be frank disinterested. Not at all first class. Do not waste your time, there really are many "average" restaurants who are able to make a more special occassion than this restaurant. Utterly disappointing.

this restaurant is bloody expensive

We booked a table for two here and mentioned at the time of booking that we wanted to use our Telegraph privilege card. We were assured that this would be fine. We made a deliberate point of making sure that they understood about this. We had the meal a couple of days ago: an unremarkable three course dinner including a Sunday roast. We've eaten much better meals locally, and paid less for them. Upon querying the bill, we were told that we couldn't use our Telegraph card because they stopped accepting them three months ago. We were not told this at the time of booking, in fact, we were told the exact opposite. Obviously, our choices of food had been influenced by the offer. The manager was not available and we were not offered any form of compensation to make up for this. Neither of us usually write reviews however we are appalled by this. The new Telegraph 2012 booklet, in which they are listed, arrived a few days before our meal. This is false advertising. We spent twice the amount that we were expecting to, based on the offer. Neither the food nor the service were good enough to make up for it. Another time, we will certainly eat elsewhere.

Excellent is the word for this restaurant from entrance to exit. The service is 110% and the food even more. A lovely experience fab decor and we will be returning for our Wedding Anniversary in May .

I often eat here, with friends, family and work colleagues and have never encountered any problems. The food is tasty, plentiful and affordable and the staff are equally as nice! I am going there tomorrow night for tea with friends and I can't wait!

Sorry but meal not good. Prawn Puri on Nan not Puri, Chicken Tikka in Biriani not good overcooked, Chicken Masalla too spicy not creamy so sad as I talked my friends into going there an not usher forgive me usher

we were fortunate to be able to secure this pub to cater for a wake following mums funeral in February 2012. The food was excellent: generous portions, delicious and served and cleared with the minimum of fuss (no mean feat given the number of persons inside the pub) . The staff were courteous and professional and could not do enough for all of our guests. I gladly recommend the whole team for the level of service and the atmosphere within. The natural surroundings outside cannot be overlooked either. An all round winner.

My Company had its Christmas do at pond on Friday and i have to comment how impressed we all were, there was 30 of us all with different expectations and dietary needs and we were a little concerned as most restaurants can't cope with big parties, never mind us ( we get very loud) but Pond did us proud, the food service and drinks were all fabulous and the lads were very friendly and attentive, we had the chefs banquet and could not fault the quality or quantity, in fact we had to stay a while as we were so stuffed, drinks in the lounge are advisable to let your food settle and we thoroughly enjoyed some mulled wine and a hot chocolate. They were absolutely packed out and my colleague said maybe they could have been quicker with clearing the table but this did not spoil the event and too be honest we just kept picking at the food, so it was nice to take our time on reflection and the lads never stopped so they couldn't have done anymore. Thanks to all the management and staff for the best meal ever we will be back

Visited in February 2012 after hearing The Butlers Arms was under new management. What a great decision to give it another chance after visiting under the previous management! The welcome by the staff was fantastic, the service was perfect, the food and drink selection was great. This is a lovely pub/restaurant and it's nice to see it being run so well again. Our food arrived within a very reasonable time of ordering, we were served complimentary warm bread with oil and vinegar while we were waiting, which was a lovely gesture and we were very impressed with the freshly cooked, homemade food. All round a lovely experience, without a fault. Recommended to anyone and I will be sure to visit again soon!

very expensive for average food.

a group of 4 ate here last week, the service was very poor the food below average and to top it all off there was hair in the food. We had to wait over 30 mins for the table to be cleared. We complained about the quality and service.. we were given a discount of £1.50 from the bill would not recommend.

Me and my boyfriend come from Newcastle and went for a meal here on feb 13th this year it is the best Indian food we have ever tasted fantastic I was also given a long stem red rose and 2 complimentary drinks the service was great no complaints at all and would happily recommend this restaurant to anyone 5 stars.

Went as a group party of 28 people,and took the offer of the Banquet and drinks for £24.95. Amazing food and drinks, top quality service,and needless to say we are about to take 40 people again. 5 stars for everything.

My husband and I visited Dante's for a Birthday lunch, after a recommendation. Firstly, the plus points.....the food was very good, beautifully cooked and presented, and portion sizes were spot on! But sadly, we were disappointed by a number of issues:- a) I was cold....b) the wall by our table was very grubby, splattered with tomato sauce and c) after removing our main course plates, there was no mention of desserts or coffee....we waited a good 20 minutes, and then decided to pay and leave. It was not at all busy, and by this stage we were the only people in the restaurant. Top marks for food, could do a lot better in other areas Sadly, I'm not sure if we'll go again....

Was just ok, the food wasn't as good as previously visited and the decor needs overhauling. I felt uncomfortable as the atmosphere was dull the service would have been nice with a smile. I will not be eating here again

The new owners have transformed this pub. We have dined here several times, since they took over, and the food is exceptional - by far the best food in the area. Fantastic value too!!

Once again an unbelievable meal. Took the Inlaws this week as it was toms birthday. Everyone had a fantastic meal as usual... The sebass omg... I tell everyone to go as this is by far the best restaurant in the ribble valley.

Fantastic food every time. Large portions and a good selection to suit every taste and budget. We're off there again tonight. Yum!