Waggon Inn - Rochdale

Small Cosy Restaurant, BIG on plaudits On the recommendation of a former dance partner, my foodie partner and I travelled to Milnrow, and a pub restaurant called The Waggon Inn. To the locals, this place is often referred to as The Back Waggon. I assume this may be because there is/used to be another place with the same name, but on the main road and close by. Besides the recommendation, I was told you HAVE to book in advance on ANY day of the week. And so Sunday was the day, and the Lunch with a starter (at a very reasonable price) was going to be the order of the day. And so, was pre-booked. This has a different ‘lay-out’ in design to any other restaurant that I have ever visited in the UK or abroad in the last forty to fifty years that I can think of. And it's different enough to add to the appeal of the place as a whole. The place itself is split into three parts, two dining areas with a placing capacity for between fifty and sixty diners. A ‘drinkers/bar section separating the two . This means the diners have easy access to the bar at any time. The concept works really well.. And on the Sunday we visited, the place was FULL with diners, really enjoying their food in this very cosy atmosphere. We both warmed to it straight away. We both decided to have the same starter and main course. Drinks: Sauvignon blanc with soda and ice and Amber lager. My partner commented (and I sampled) on the wine, it was full flavoured, you could almost ‘bite’ into the apple. Very nice indeed. Starter: 2x Homemade Chorizo Manchego Croquettes with a goodly serving of rocket salad Now, this is the first time I have tried Manchego (sheep's milk cheese) Croquettes, but my partner's eyes lit up with the plate before her. Having lived both in the Canary Isles and the USA, she was well accustomed to such dishes. And on first my bite … I have become a fan.. There was nothing left on the plates and that says it all. This wasn’t a ‘starter’ or quick snack as it was quite filling. Main: 2x Traditional Sunday Lunch and we both went for the Roast Lamb and mint sauce. Presented beautifully, this in itself was worth the price on its own. Cooked to perfection with absolutely gorgeous, hot thick gravy. The Yorkshire pudding was done in the traditional way, slightly rounded and very lightly overdone which made the outer crisp whilst the inner nicely soft (and went down a treat). No dessert/sweet this time, we were both too full. Including drinks, less than £35.00, which is excellent value, and first class service to top it off.. Would we come again, try stopping us. The midweek menu also looks far too tempting not to miss out on.

Lovely pub with a good atmosphere. Food was very nice with ample portions. I had a lamb burger which was good with proper homemade chips. All the burger options offer a choice of beef, chicken or lamb which is a good idea. The rest of our party had the tapas which looked great and tasted great too. We were too stuffed for dessert. Will definitely look to return.

Great atmosphere, food, service and staff. Plenty of choice of food on the menu and is at good prices. Will definitely return.

Went here with the girls for a drink. Lively pub, with a great atmosphere. Very homely feel and fab for a night out

This was our first visit but it won't be our last. Fabulous food and service. Will definitely be back. Can't believe we have never been before. Manchester City Centre quality for a fraction of the price right on your doorstep.