Restaurant review: The Old Brickworks, Drighlington

The Old Brickworks towers above its rivals (literally), thanks to the chimney baring its name, which soars into the sky.
The Old Brickworks, Drighlington, pictured in 2000. Signage may since have changed.The Old Brickworks, Drighlington, pictured in 2000. Signage may since have changed.
The Old Brickworks, Drighlington, pictured in 2000. Signage may since have changed.

It’s a landmark if ever there was one and while the old industry may be long gone, they do a fair old trade at this Brewer’s Fayre outlet.

We pitched up on a Sunday to see what they had on offer. My wife fancied a mushroom and cheese burger (£9.19). It was okay but the mushrooms were scant and the cheese scanter, which was a pity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was quite well presented with enough chips a decent, crunchy coleslaw, and it took some time to arrive, indicating it was freshly cooked. But it certainly didn’t have the wow factor which even at £9.19 and in a family pub we would expect.

My choice, however, was much better. I went for the soup and carvery (£9.99) which was faultless. The tomato soup was hot, thick and tasty and a perfect appetiser for a simply superb carvery.

I had roast topside of beef, which was lean, tasty, well-cooked and plentiful but I could have had turkey crown, gammon or a vegetable wellington. It came with Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, roast potatoes, root vegetable mash and a rich, tasty gravy. You know the score. It’s Sunday soul food and the Old Brickworks is as good a place as any to soak it up. And you could have as much as you could sensibly – and decently - balance on your plate. Fabulous. It’s a shame they don’t do the carvery every day. But maybe the other alternatives (fish and chips on a Friday, curry night on a Thursday for example) are just as good. We’ll let you know when we’ve tasted them.

Anyway, back to our Sunday visit. My Sunday carvery deal entitled me to a £2 dessert with a choice of ice cream, caramel Apple Betty or Chocolate Betty. I had the latter and, for £2, I couldn’t complain. Not the best or most sophisticated dessert but for two quid, a bargain.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

My wife went for the salted toffee apple crumble (£4.69) described on the menu as sweet, tangy apples and sticky salted toffee sauce, topped with a golden shortcake crumble and served with custard on the side. It was fine. Very filling.

The menu here is vast. It has mainly traditional choices with one or two surprises. Anyone for burger pie (£11.29)? Or gammon and golden ale. It has chunks of slow-cooked gammon in mature Cheddar cheese, parsley and Golden Sheep ale sauce with chunky carrots, topped with sliced potatoes and served with a medley of green vegetables. Interesting for £10.29.

If we visit again, the sweet potato and feta lasagne is first on my list. A pint of San Miguel will set you back £4 and you can get a large glass of house white here for £3.99. With a Bells whisky, the total bill came to £30.16, which isn’t bad for a Sunday lunch.

FACTFILE

The Old Brickworks

Wakefield Road

Drighlington

SCORE: 3/5

Related topics: