The Observer Food Monthly awards are drawn to the North West of England with Sunday lunches a real success story having secured the top award two years in a row. Last year's winner was The Parlour in Chorlton - a particular favourite of Taste of Manchester, thanks to its gob stopping platters of meaty joy. Even the nut roast is worth waiting for a table for, such is the balance of ingredients, fine wines and attention to detail that's evident in all they do. And the awards continue in 2013 with Ramsbottom's The Eagle and Child getting in on the action. In fact, the pub has gone from strength to strength over the last two years, thanks to a policy that includes sourcing seasonal Pennine foods and traditional recipes. Home-grown vegetables are a feature, while trademark dishes include Black Pudding Sausage roll with pickled quails egg, Morecambe Bay potted shrimps, Lancashire hotpot with braised red cabbage and cheese and onion pie. Luke Bainbridge in the The Observer mentions Sunday lunch stalwarts "sirloin of Lancashire beef and chicken from nearby Goosnargh." Sounds good to us. Look out for a full review soon.
The Eagle and Child, 3 Whalley Road, Ramsbottom, Lancashire, BL0 0DL. Tel: 01706 557181, www.eagle-and-child.com