The setting was perfect, the food was outstanding, and the staff were pleasant and extremely attentive. The photo below shows these really sweet ‘black’ gooseberries, another successful lifestyle orcharding experiment at my friend Rob Warman’s place.

The main disadvantage of these plants is that they are very thorny, similar in shape and pointedness to the native matagouri or ‘wild Irishman’ scrub so you will get many a punctured finger trimming twigs and opening up the bushes with secateurs. After we went to the cosy bar area where I was treated to a nice cognac and a bottle of amazing Prosecco as a farewell gift from the staff!About Wadworth: Wadworth is an independent family brewer and regional pub operator, very proud of its West Country roots. Anarkali Indian Restaurant, Haslingden is a hidden gem, one of Lancashire’s premier Indian restaurants which is loved by Indian food lovers from far and wide. Actually we had another friend arrive unannounced who was immediately catered for by moving an additional table and everyone spreading out slightly. We have been voted ‘Traveller’s Choice 2023 and in the top 10% in the UK’ on Trip advisor, and we are rated ‘Excellent’. It was a really lovely atmosphere too, they had a number of settings so tables weren't piled in next to each other, it was really well planned.

Used to be extensively grown in Cumberland and elsewhere – often to be found in old cottage and farmhouse gardens. Well known and deservedly popular early apple, which in our experience is very reliable and recommended for Cumbria and similar climates.As time goes by, the bushes improve in size of fruit and quantity of harvest, one of those few plants that improves with age. Minor issues present such as mild cracking, inscriptions, inserts, light foxing, tanning and thumb marking.