With a date at one of Calderdale's best kept culinary secrets, I had no trouble tempting my two sisters to leave their husbands and children for the evening.

The Old White Beare is a typical village pub in the heart of Norwood Green, one you would imagine the locals might like to keep to themselves.

But if you fancy truly scrumptious, well presented food in a cosy atmosphere and good service it's one to head for.

This was a Thursday and it was not struggling for diners. The bar was packed with regulars chilling with a pint or a glass of wine.

The Old White Beare has shunned the path well trodden of many country pubs by converting its traditional homely interior into a modern wine bar.

I discovered later it had only recently been taken over by Chris Blood, formerly of the Lowry in Manchester, and Andy Krawek, the former drinks manager at the Radisson Edwardian.

With chef, Andy Thompson, they make a strong team.

Creative rather than clinical in the menu department, Andy has brought with him some tried and trusted dishes, mixing it all with what I assume are local favourites and an experimental twist on tradition.

Chris and Andy take care of the front of house.

Being girlies and constantly watching our weight my two sisters and I set about our task of picking the menu to pieces as professionally as three business women on a night out could.

"If we have to get an idea of what the menu is like, why don't we go for two shared starters, a main course each and two desserts?" suggested Colette

We opted for a firm favourite, chicken liver pate with tomato chutney and melba toast, not your average white sliced but homemade, something to get your teeth into.

A portion of the smoked salmon was a surprise, not the usual thin slices but a small fillet to complete our openers.

Tasty starters, although not over generous. But the staff did bring us more toast at no extra cost.

For a main course, Colette had the vegetarian filo pastry parcel of goat's cheese, Pauline plumped for the beef stroganoff and I had the duck.

A few weeks ago I had a disastrous Japanese duck dish, which put me off but I decided to brave it again and wasn't disappointed.

Pan fried and served with thyme mashed potatoes. It was beautifully presented, tender and delicious.

The beef stroganoff was served with fresh vegetables and melted in the mouth. The filo pastry filled with goat's cheese was a refreshing change from the usual vegetarian gratin dish.

We may have been watching our weight but a meal out without men and children isn't much fun without dessert.

Pauline told the two of us to choose our favourites,
"I won't be having much, just a taste," she said.

Famous last words.

I loved the refreshing taste of lemon on my palate after dinner while the chocolate torte was too much for Colette to resist.

Three plates and two desserts later, Pauline surpassed her own expectations. The lemon tart was freshly made with a meringue-like filling and crusty pastry like only mums make and the chocolate torte was literally to die for.

Chilling after our feast, it was clear Chris and Andy are keen to build on what they have acquired.

The decor is easy rather than busy, the tables and chairs were not crammed in.

It meant large families could make plenty of noise and not disturb intimate couples.

"A lot of other places would have put another table in there," commented my sister. A meal for three with drinks cost £73

Ratings
Name: Old White Beare Inn

Address: Village Street, Norwood Green, Halifax

Phone: 01274 676645

Food 4/5
Atmosphere 3/5
Service 4/5
Value 4/5