Pub of the Week: Hare & Hounds, Todmorden

When Richard and Tiffanie Carlton came back to the Calder Valley after five years working in some of the best hotels on the Isle of Skye they opened a cafÃ© in Todmorden market. But they soon got itchy feet and when leasehold on an old Whitbread pub came up, they jumped at it. Bought by Daniel Thwaites, Â£150k was thrown at it, the interior was ripped out and a drinker's dive came up smiling.

Originally built in the 17th century as a farmhouse, the Hare & Hounds is now a smart, comfortable dining pub, with flagged floors, cosy tartan wool-upholstered benches and sepia photographs of old Todmorden. A cosy room at one end has wooden panels and dark beams – a great spot for a private party.

There are four cask ales, including Lancaster Bomber and Craft Crusader, with one non-Thwaites beer, Sadler’s Mellow Yellow, an Indian Pale Ale.

A good-looking menu runs through the week from Monday to Friday (2 courses for £12) and features the likes of black pudding bonbons, char-grilled Haloumi, and Thwaites beer battered haddock fillet and hand cut chips. Sandwiches are served daily until 4pm. The sharing platters are fast becoming things of legend: choose between seafood, Mexican and vegetarian.

Outside there’s a brilliant beer garden and, with a Thursday quiz night, monthly live music and Family Fun days it has something for everyone.

• Hare & Hounds, Burnley Road, Todmorden, OL14 8EA. 01706 417074, hareandhoundstodmorden.com. Open: Monday to Thursday & Sunday, 12pm-12am; Friday & Saturday; 12pm-1am.

WELCOME 5/5

DRINKS SELECTION 5/5

ATMOSPHERE 5/5

PRICES 5/5