ONE OF OUR legendary girl’s nights out was – we all decided – long overdue.

With four husbands and 11 children between us, we deserve an occasional break!

As four Holme Valley girls, in need of rest and relaxation, we decided to stay local, so the other halves could pick us up later. So we chose the newly refurbished Coach and Horses Inn and Bistro just outside the centre of Honley village.

Many years earlier than we would all have cared to mention, we remembered drinking at the pub as carefree singles on Friday nights.

Many years earlier a night out would not have involved a restaurant, but would have involved a nightclub and maybe chips in a taxi in the early hours.

But this establishment, like us, has changed considerably since then and has been under new ownership for the past five months.

It now has a modern, open plan interior with warm wooden flooring and an equally warm welcome from staff.

We were advised to book a table when I rang as “Tuesday is fish night and it gets busy!” It wasn’t particularly, we had our pick of tables when we arrived at 7.30pm, which was great for us because we wanted somewhere where we could have a good chat, although a few other diners did arrive later.

The ample menu and specials board showed promise.

As the sole (fish night, get it?) vegetarian of the clan, who eats “nothing with a face except gingerbread men”, eating out can prove a disappointment.

But not on this night out with my favourite group of girlies!

Ironically, en route to our destination (thank’s for the lift Dave!) I had expressed a desire for “something tasty”, possibly a mushroom stroganoff.

So when a vegetable stroganoff (£8.95) appeared on the menu I was delighted. Good planning!

And it was delicious. The slightly piquant sauce complimented well the selection of mixed peppers and courgettes. My only slight criticism, not a mushroom in sight!

The rice accompanying the dish was light and substantial in portion size.

The meal started well with a selection of garlic breads and pitta breads with humus which we all shared (£2.25 each).

As it was the aforementioned “fish night” two of my buddies opted for the fish pie (£12.95) and the third, our most discerning diner, a Mediterranean chicken dish (£12.95).

All were served with vegetables (cauliflower and carrots) and potatoes or chunky home-made chips which were a big hit with everyone.

The fish pie, was a good choice I was told. It was an ample portion which would have easily served two and was packed full of a variety of fish and topped with a lovely fluffy mashed potato and lots of grated cheese which gave it an appealing crispy topping.

The chicken was pronounced tender and tasty and not too overpowering on flavour, praise indeed from the faddiest of the clan.

Our meals were all well cooked and beautifully presented and served promptly and efficiently.

As the wine continued to flow alongside conversation we all decided a dessert would be too indulgent, even on one of our rare night’s out.

So we sat and chatted in the comfortable surroundings until our going home lift arrived.

The Coach and Horses has themed nights and will have a special Mother’s Day menu.

It is also open at lunchtimes for a selection of sandwiches, paninis, salads and pasta dishes and for morning coffee and pastries.

Venue Coach and Horses Inn and Bistro, Eastgate, Honley.

Contact 01484 661871.

Opening times Lunches – Monday to Saturday 12 to 2.30pm, evenings – Tuesday to Saturday 6 to 9.30pm, Sunday 12 to 5.30pm.

Disabled Access Yes.

The bill £95.45 for four including three bottles and a half carafe of house wine!

Would you return Yes.