Pie. Such a small word yet one so profound that it never ceases to evoke a little giggle whenever the word gets uttered - for me anyway. Pie.
It has meaning on so many levels. Whether it be the fond reminiscence of my Mum's superb homemade meat and potato, a staple of many a self catering caravan trip to Tenby. Or of the institution that is Wright's Pies back in my hometown. Or the culinary masterpiece created by my Dad consisting of a Steak Pie (Wright's of course) delicately placed in a bowl of oxtail soup, served with a side order of bread and butter. Hearty, satiating and down right delicious. If there is a pie of any description on a menu, whether it be Michelin starred (unlikely to be a pie like the aforementioned I admit) or a pub offering, it will take some beating for me to scan any more of the menu and steer me to another dish.
This is why the Parkers Arms had been on my 'must go to' list for some time. With the pesky pandemic out of the way, my wife and I decided to incorporate a visit with a walk in the beautiful countryside of that area. As we navigated the winding roads on the outskirts of Clitheroe I will never forget the squeals of delight that accompanied Nancy's first sighting of the pub when it appeared almost magically and surprisingly before us. Having completed our walk, we headed back to at least investigate. Our initial disappointment at finding it closed was tempered by the fact that I quite like the idea of pubs closing between services, a bit like the good old days when most places had 2 ringing of last orders in one day.
We returned a few weeks later having booked (always advisable) and it lived up to our expectations...and more. There is a cosiness to the Parkers. On our second visit (more of which to come) there was a glorious open fire. Accompanying the bar area there is a sizeable dining room that still retains a feeling of intimacy. On our first visit, we had barely sat down before the word 'pie' had been uttered by yours truly. We had heard many a complimentary mention of Kathy, Stosie and the team but then the ringing endorsement came from my good friend Neil who had taken advantage of their pie delivery service during lockdown. No more persuasion had been needed. Our first experience consisted of an incredible array from oysters to of course...pie. A lamb variety in a lamb suet pastry if I remember rightly.
Our most recent visit came following their well deserved 2nd place in the Top 50 Gastropubs and if evidence were needed as to why they were so highly placed, then this one meal was indeed that evidence. Our party devoured the starters including a curry spiced apple and parsnip cream, charcoal grilled spiced Whitby cuttlefish, fennel cured Scottish mackerel and my Bowland outdoor reared pork and pistachio paté with piccalilli.
Then the star of the show. The pie. Feathered wild Bowland game and wild foraged Bowland hedgehog mushrooms in...wait for it...pork fat pastry. Absolutely stunning. If there had been a run on pies that day (which I imagine happens on a regular basis) and I had missed out, any of the other mains would have more than sufficed I have no doubt. Nancy's charcoal grilled Morecambe Bay sea bass fillet was superb. It is a three course menu at the Parkers and although I was concerned for my waistline, the caramelised Lancashire sweetcorn cake pudding disappeared without complaint.
The Parkers is glorious. Set in beautiful surroundings with a village pub meets restaurant feel inside, so welcoming in many ways, particularly the staff. This place will remain at the top of my 'must go to' list for a long long time to come.
Pie...
Find out more about the Parkers here