The Willows is a modern pub close to the Guide junction of the M65 on Haslingden Road. It appears somewhat hidden by walls at the busy junction, but for a quick after work meal with a friend it was a convenient place to stop.

Having checked up on the pub’s website before visiting, we had noticed a free drink offer. It simply requires you to register your details and then emails you a voucher to get one free drink at the bar from a limited choice. We ordered a glass of wine each at the bar and handed over our vouchers. So far so good. A free drink in clean and quiet surroundings.

The pub has a permanent offering of 2 for 1 on main courses. There was a wide choice of typical pub food and we chose Slow cooked Pork in Apple and Cider sauce for both of us. The food arrived within about 10 minutes and was hot and a generous portion. It came with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetable (which were green beans today!)

The meat was tender and lean and the suace was very tasty.

We shared a ‘Millionaire’s Sundae’ with three kinds of ice cream, shortbread, cream and toffee sauce, which was perfect for the time of day as a sharing dish, but I could certainly manage a full one!

The service was attentive and although this was a flying visit, we will certainly try the pub again when we have a little more time.

The total cost of the visit was £6.25 a head, which was a bargain for a main course, shared dessert and our free drink! You can visit their website here and grab yourself a free drink while the offer is still on. Website

Our score 7 out of 10 ★★★★★★★★★★