WHEN one of your closest friends decides to jet off to the other side of the world to start a new life in Australia, you would think a friendship group would push the boat out and take her for a swanky goodbye meal.
But as we all know, the gloomy economic climate means that our purse strings are tighter than ever, so my four friends and I decided to take up the ‘two meals for two people for £10 offer’ for the Bon Voyage meal at the recently refurbished Red Lion, in Northop, Flintshire.
When we arrived at the pub we were welcomed by a friendly waitress and shown straight to our table.
I was surprised at the service, as village pub etiquette usually involves you grabbing your own drink at the bar, before nestling into your own chosen corner and perusing the menu.
For this occasion the sprightly restaurant service was welcomed by us all and as the waitress brought over two bottles of the house rose, we looked through the varied and wholesome pub grub menu.
The deal involves each person choosing either a starter and a main course, or a main and a desert course.
Each one of us had a sweet tooth that evening so we jumped straight to the main courses.
For the two veggies in our group of five, me included, we opted for the delicious vegetable kievs.
I was dubious about the accompanying salad and chips – as usual pub grub dictates frozen chips and soggy salad.
But when the plate arrived, my vegetable loving companion and I, were delighted by the fresh mixed leaf salad and the chunky rustic chips.
Again, one of my friends, who may I add is a superb cook, was curious about the meal deal but decided to try out the coq au vin anyway – and her tastebuds were not disappointed.
The freshly cook chicken legs came in a tasty baby onion and red wine sauce along with a side of steaming hot seasonal veg and new potatoes.
The less adventurous of the group opted for a sirloin steak with Diane sauce (not included in deal) and scampi and chips, which were again served fresh and piping hot.
But it was the delicious desserts that really surprised the group.
Two of my friends opted for the Belgian waffles with vanilla pod ice cream and maple syrup, whilst my daring friend decided to taste the devilish chocolate fudge cake and put back her beach bikini diet for yet another day.
My poached pear with ice cream had my friends swooning and me salivating.
As we sat back, our bellies full with delicious food, we sipped wine and talked about my friends plans for her exotic future adventures.
Although the Flintshire-based pub is set in a sleepy little village, the charm and cosiness of a typical north Wales pub seemed a little lost in the minimal decor and the bright lights.
However, the friendly service, excellent food and even better prices proved that even if this Northop treasure is less traditional than your average North Walian pub, it can still be the perfect setting for a cracking meal with good friends.
The Bill
Two courses for two people for £10
Coq au vin
2 Vegetable kiev
Scampi and chips
2 Belgian waffles with ice cream
Chocolate fudge cake
Poached pear
Sub total: £20
Sirloin steak with Diane sauce £12.95
Drinks: £10
Total: £42.95