Seafood Pub Company hails first ‘proper’ pub

Fast growing multi-site operator Seafood Pub Company has opened what it claimed is its first ‘proper’ pub.

The Barley Mow, in the village of Barley, Lancashire, is the first in the company’s new Pub Co division.

Having undergone an extensive refurbishment after being closed for a year, the pub is now in the style of hunting lodge complete with roaring fires.

Executive chef Antony Shirley has developed a menu of pub classics influenced by cuisine from across America and Europe, from sandwiches and salads to curries, tacos and stews. He has also revived the Barley Mow’s once-famous mixed grill, which is described on the menu as ‘too big to list – see blackboard’. It is available for £19.50.

Menu details

Other mains items include:

  • Maryland cod cakes with creamed corn and baby spinach (£11.50);
  • pork satay skewers with sweet potato fries and peanut sauce (£10.95);
  • and Cauliflower cheese pie with buttered peas (£9.50).

There are also a number of sandwich and pub snacks available.

These include soft taco with crispy fish, Creole slaw, coriander and sour cream (£6.95), and roast beetroot and feta salad with baby spinach and pine nuts (£7.95).

More unusual starters include:

  • little Pendle meat and potato pasties with brown sauce (£4);
  • popcorn shrimp with smoked chilli jam (£7.50);
  • and southern baked whitebait with chilli and lime mayo (£4.95).

Complementing the food menu is a wide range of cask ales, world beers and wines.

Welcome return

Seafood Pub Company managing director Joycelyn Neve said the pub is already proving popular with both locals and visitors to the area since it opened in November.

She said: “The Barley Mow has been refurbished with open fires and cosy corners to create a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for family meals or drinks with friends.

“We have six country bedrooms, which we hope will prove popular among business people and weekend walkers alike, and work is soon to be complete on our outdoor heated areas, perfect for dog walkers and cyclists looking for a deserved refreshment stop.”

Manager Matt Ward added: “We’ve enjoyed an amazing welcome so far and everyone has been so friendly.

“I’ve really enjoyed hearing tales of old about the original pub and will be digging into the archives for more stories and pictures which we can share with visitors new and old.”

“I particularly want to meet anyone who survived the famous mixed grill and shake their hand!”

Seafood sites

Other sites in the Seafood Pub Company group are:

  • the Oyster and Otter in Feniscowles;
  • the Assheton Arms in Downham;
  • the Fenwick in Claughton;
  •  the Farmers Arms in Great Eccleston;
  • and the Derby Arms in Thornley, Longridge.

The company was recently named the R200 Pub Company of the Year.

Run by Restaurant magazine – sister title of the Publican’s Morning Advertiser – R200 Awards celebrate the progress and achievements of the top 200 restaurant group operators in the UK.