There are few things in life better than blowing away those Christmas cobwebs with a winter’s walk that ends at a country pub.
Persuading my teenagers of the benefits of a blustery walk in Bolton is another matter, but it was there we headed to the picturesque village of Belmont and more specifically the Black Dog.
Recommended by a number of people, it’s a traditional pub dated as far back as 1825, with the original building first used as a village courthouse in the 1700s and later as a farmhouse.
Many of its traditional features are retained and it’s loved for its cosy snugs and coal fires as much as its cask ales, beers and bountiful menu. You can even stay overnight in one of three en-suite rooms here.
The Black Dog pub in Belmont
(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
Popular with cyclists, dog walkers and hikers, its location offers various routes from the doorstep of this place and, as well as its own car park, there are spots you can park at in front of the pub next to St Peter’s Church.
Not wanting to venture too far, we walk to Ward’s Reservoir – known locally as the Blue Lagoon – and up towards the TV masts on Winter Hill where the views are spectacular.
It’s quite rocky in places, with a boggy path to follow alongside a ruined wall, but we’re fine in our walking boots and the dog has loads of space to run around, as well as streams to splash in and get clean once we’re back down.
By the time we get to the pub – and you do have to be careful of the cars while walking near the yellow lines on Rivington Road – we’re more than ready to take a pew.
Ward’s Reservoir, known locally as the Blue Lagoon
(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
A Joseph Holt pub, it’s got everything you’d expect on the menu of a place like this – from gammon steaks and burgers, to lasagne and fish and chips.
But it’s a lot more varied than we expect, with a choice of wraps and flatbreads, as well as curries and a selection of Moroccan spiced skewers among the offerings.
It also stocks pies from the much-loved H.M. Pasties – the bakery famed for employing ex-convicts, which launched in Bolton before moving to a new home in Oldham as it expanded to meet demand.
It’s the H.M. Pasties steak and Joseph Holt’s ale pie, £13.65, that catches my husband’s eye – an award-winning slow cooked beef, carrot and ale pie served with chips, peas and gravy.
H.M. Pasties steak and Joseph Holt’s ale pie
(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
While tempted with the same, I opt for the Sunday roast – turkey with roast potatoes, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, carrot and swede mash, with a Yorkshire pudding and gravy.
My adult portion costs £13.95, while my daughter’s children’s portion is £7.75 and more than enough, especially with the pigs in blankets and cauliflower cheese sides.
Sadly the little piggies have no blankets, but we’re warned of this in advance, and at £2.50 a portion, they’re still worth the extra.
They’re out of the steak frites too, so my son opts for the classic beef burger instead, £12.65, adding cheese and bacon for an extra £1.75.
Inside the Black Dog
(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
We start with a couple of portions of halloumi popcorn, with a sticky spiced honey dip, which are delicious and tide us over while we wait for the mains.
It’s a good 40 minutes between courses, but it doesn’t bother us and I’d much rather it be relaxed like this than be rushed off the table. Plus, what arrives is more than worth the wait.
I find myself quite envious of the H.M. Pasties pie that turns up and the tiny morsel I try is enough to confirm why the bakery’s offerings are so popular. The thick, crispy pastry combined with the rich, flavoursome filling is quite something.
But my roast dinner doesn’t disappoint. I know not everyone’s a fan of the pile it high Jenga tower, but I quite like it served this way, plus the huge Yorkie on the top offers a heated blanket to keep it all warm before tucking in.
Burger and fries at the Black Dog
(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
And there’s plenty to go at. With three layers of turkey, they’re more than generous with the meat – and the veg for that matter.
Swimming in a smooth, rich gravy, it’s all perfectly cooked and piping hot.
The desserts sound just as delicious, especially the cinnamon swirl cheesecake, but after mammoth portions like this, and our fill of chocolate and puddings over Christmas, we decide to give them a miss.
We might have to make the walk longer next time to build up an even greater appetite. Although I’m pretty sure the dog will be happier about that than the kids.