EVEN if the food at the Rose and Crown was rubbish – which it certainly isn’t – I would still recommend you pay a visit just for the view.

There can be few restaurants in Yorkshire which can boast a more scenic setting than this venue in Cop Hill, high above Slaithwaite.

Waiting for your meal is no inconvenience when you can look out at the beautiful Colne Valley. On the day that Jenny and I visited we were lucky enough to get a table next to a window, allowing us to look out at a rainbow, evening sunlight and then twilight creeping across the valley.

So it’s worth going up to the Rose and Crown for the scenery alone, but is it worth having dinner there?

A resounding yes.

There’s nothing particularly complicated about the food at the Rose and Crown: it’s hearty, traditional fare. But the important thing is, it’s done well.

I started with the Bury black pudding in wholegrain mustard sauce and topped off with strips of bacon.

I like a bit of pig’s blood as much as the next man, so I was glad that the Rose and Crown’s offering was so good. If you want black pudding, there’s a corner of Greater Manchester that can come up with the goods.

The Bury black pudding was excellent, ably complemented by plenty of crispy bacon and a mustard sauce that didn’t stand on ceremony.

Jenny went for the Thai fishcakes with sweet chilli sauce which she described as "reassuringly home-made" and "like something one of your talented friends would have made" if you came round for dinner. I think that was the desired effect.

Then it was on to the mains.

Jenny opted for the salmon fillet in lemon and black pepper sauce with spuds and vegetables.

Tactically, it was a shrewd choice by her. I don’t like fish, so there was no danger of me leaning over to pinch some from her plate. Apparently the salmon was pleasingly juicy.

I went for the steak and ale pie with chips and vegetables.

The pie was excellent, with a puffy pastry and plenty of gravy. The chips and vegetables were reassuringly chunky, the kind of food that wouldn’t let you down in a crisis.

We washed all this down with a rather nice bottle of Spanish red.

As twilight fell over the valley, I decided I could make room for a dessert so I ordered some lemon tart that was richer than Bill Gates.

The service was excellent, from chatty, friendly staff and the restaurant itself is tastefully decorated, feeling homely and comfortable.

Should you wish to have a few pints with your dinner, the Rose and Crown is well stocked with the wide choice of real ales that you would expect from a country pub in West Yorkshire.

Top marks too for the atmosphere. It helped that we went on a Saturday night when the place was heaving. As Jenny described it, the place had: "a lovely, lively atmosphere like you’re at a big party."

I couldn’t put it better myself, so I won’t try.

But I will say that if you’re in the mood for some good food in a beautiful setting then take a trip up to the Rose and Crown. It won’t be a wasted journey.

VENUE: The Rose and Crown
TEL: 01484 844 410
WEBSITE: www.roseandcrownhd.co.uk
OPENING HOURS: Food served between midday and 9pm.
CHILDREN: Yes
DISABLED ACCESS: Yes
THE BILL: £45.90 for two, including wine
WOULD YOU GO BACK? Definitely