When asked to choose my top two eating-outs of the year it threw me into bit of a quandary as four outstanding meals sprang to mind.

The meaty monk fish at the Three Hares in Bilbrough was delicious, as was that huge tender steak Chris had at the Middleton Arms, not to mention the tasty homemade steak and kidney pie I ate.

But for one of my favourites I would have to go for The Stone Trough at Kirkham.

The restaurant is spacious and pretty without being twee and the adjoining low-ceilinged pub is comfy, cosy and welcoming. In its idyllic setting, close by Kirkham Abbey, it is also a delightful spot to visit on a summer's evening.

The food was fresh imaginative and tasty. Fish featured strongly on the specials menu and the halibut was superb - a solid steak of meaty white fish, served with crisp stir-fried vegetables. Wonderful.

Starters were also on top form. The duck livers with orange sauce were tender and tasty and the crispy whirl of filo pastry, melting goat's cheese and caramelised onion was memorable.

Restaurant: Stone Trough Inn

Address: Kirkham, Whitwell-on-the-Hill

Telephone: 01653 618713

Reviewed: 19/12/98