I AM so glad that "millionaire" Stephen Lewis and his family found the "perfect country pub at Kirkham Abbey - in the Stone Trough Inn" (September 20).

No wonder the food was "outstanding" given the prices they charge.

He concludes in his report that the bill for four came to about £78. "On the steep side" he says - I should think so.

My wife and I had a three-course Sunday lunch recently (plus two alcoholic drinks and two coffees) at our perfect country pub, The Jolly Farmers at Leavening, and the total cost was £20 (£10 each).

Some years ago it won the Evening Press Pub Food of the Year competition and deservedly so. The food was brilliant, home-baked and piping hot.

Perfect country Pub at Kirkham Abbey? A perfect rip off.

Bryan R Lawson,

Burton Fields Road,

Stamford Bridge, York.

Updated: 09:13 Saturday, October 11, 2003