I HAD not been to the Huntsman for years, so when the TV weatherman announced excitedly that Saturday was set fair to be an ideal day to get out and about we decided to take a lunchtime trip up to the Greenfield Road establishment.

Although the place has changed almost unrecognisably from the pub I remember, the visit brought back many memories.

As we pondered the Huntsman menus, I raised the subject of one memorable Christmas party there – much longer ago than I care to admit – which did not quite go to plan.

It was a big gathering, there must have been 60 or so of us all in seasonal high spirits. I think there was a soup starter, but I can’t really recall. What I do remember though is that nearly everyone went for the traditional roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings and that there was an option and Carol I both decided to go for it, not just to be different, but because we happen to be partial to a halibut steak.

We chuckled as we relived the tale of the halibut.

The party was in full swing, the crackers had been pulled, the paper hats donned, whistling ticklers blown to good effect and the turkey dinners were fast disappearing – but still no sign of our halibut. I went to investigate. The barman that evening was a good friend of mine, so I regaled him with our problem over the fish that got way. “Don’t worry, I’ll see to it,” he said, bursting from behind the bar and through the swing doors into the kitchen. I could hear raised voices and banging and then my friend burst back through the doors and assured us that the halibut would soon be with us.

By this time the rest of a party were well into their Christmas pud or whatever, then, at last, to mocking applause, the halibut steaks arrived and we started to tuck in – without success. The fish was still frozen solid in the middle and we almost bent the knives trying to cut into it.

Another word with my friend and our plates were whisked away and he disappeared with them back through the swing doors. The sounds emanating from that kitchen then reached a crescendo. There was more shouting, louder this time, and banging. This was a Summer Wine take on Fawlty Towers, Basil, chef and Manuel, “He’s from Brockholes!” et al.

Our well-fed fellow diners, who were now adjourning back to the bar while the room was prepared for the disco, were hugely entertained by all the goings on.

Then at last the halibut returned, steaming, piping hot, and the plates were laid out before us.

Carol and I, now alone at the table, glanced down, then did a double take, wide eyed. We did not believe it! This just wasn’t our night, so we left the table, the food untouched.

“Did you enjoy your meal?” my friend behind the bar inquired cheerfully.

“Well, to be truthful, I’m not really into halibut steak with rich, brown onion gravy,” I had to admit. Cue more laughter from my well-fed fellow party-goers.

Many years later, on our return to the Huntsman, we had been shown to a table for two near the window in the spacious main restaurant area by a personable young floor manager. The welcome release from the snows had brought families out in flocks and all the tables in the bar area were taken, the place a hive of activity. I was impressed with the extended, new-look Huntsman and it has quite obviously really caught on with local pub-goers.

For starters both Carol and I ordered the house special salmon, sweet potato and coriander fishcakes, served with salad garnish and tartare sauce. We had also been tempted by the Wexford mushrooms, in a peppercorn sauce on toasted garlic ciabatta topped with melted blue cheese dressing (£5.95). Perhaps next time?

We had made a good choice as the fishcakes were a delight – a sizeable round of delicately flavoured fish cooked in herbs and spices attractively presented with a light, dressed salad and enhanced by an accompanying bowl of tangy tartare.

Other starters on the menu that Saturday were the home-made soup of the day (winter vegetable, £4.95); pate of the day (homemade pork liver with crusty bread and onion chutney, £4.95); Traditional prawn cocktail bound in Marie rose sauce (£5.95); onion rings and garlic bread, with garlic mayonnaise (£4.95); black pudding salad with a roasted red onion and Yorkshire blue cheese dressing (£5.95); potato wedges topped with bacon and melted cheese (£4.95); breaded mushrooms, with salad garnish and garlic mayonnaise (£4.95) and chicken goujons, home battered with a sweet and sour dipping sauce (£5.95).

For mains Carol went for the vegetarian option roasted Mediterranean vegetable lasagne served with salad and garlic bread. This was presented in a large dish and looked, smelt (and apparently was), delicious.

I plumped for The Huntsman’s cheese and onion pie, homemade with shortcrust pastry, with tomato and red onion salad and mashed potato (there was the option of chips) and a large jug of cheesy pouring sauce (£10.95). This was dish to warm the cockles of the heart, wholesome, rustic country grub, ideal on a cold midwinter’s day. I was served a handsome slice of pie, of most generous proportions which tested my staying power, but like the starter, it was a delight, and I ate the lot. We shared the cheese sauce (there was plenty of it). The salad was a perfect accompaniment to my special pie dish of simple ingredients, perfectly cooked.

There was no room for puddings.

This lunchtime meal, served up by a friendly, efficient waitress, had highlighted a most enjoyable return trip – and there was an unexpected bonus. Although we were blissfully unaware if it, a special ‘Best of British’ offer was running and the prices had been cut Monday to Saturday inclusive between 11.30am till 6pm. We were given an £8.46 discount – and a £5 voucher to offset the bill at a future visit.

We shall be going back to take full advantage.

PS: There was rich, brown onion gravy, but no halibut on the menu this time.

The Huntsman Inn

Greenfield Road, Holmfirth HD9 3XF

Tel: 01484-850205

Website: www.the-huntsman-inn.com

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday noon to 8pm, Friday and Saturday noon to 9.30pm. Sunday noon to 8pm.

Children: ...and well-behaved dogs, welcome. Children’s menu.

Disabled: Full disabled access and toilets.

The bill: £33.82

Would you go back? Definitely.