Ring O’Bells
Sarah Catherine Jones
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. It’s definitely true in the case of Ring O’Bells pub in Ormskirk, which recently reopened its doors after a seven-year hiatus.
This picturesque pub on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal has undergone some serious renovation since 2016. While many of the original 19th-century features are intact or reclaimed, the layout has changed – there’s open bar space, a core dining area, and a huge open-plan conservatory offering excellent views across the canal.
Ring O’Bells offers a seasonal menu, along with an earnest ambition to celebrate the best produce in the area. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to talk you through their chosen suppliers.
Stand-out dishes include Mrs Kirkham’s cheese and leek soufflé, which is decadent and comforting in equal measure. It’s not a soufflé in the traditional sense (it’s flat and served in an oven dish instead of a ramekin) but it’s outrageously good nonetheless.
The gigantic freestanding pies also deserve an honorary mention. Instead of duping customers with flimsy pastry lids on top of casseroles, Ring O’Bells delivers the goods. Grab the chicken, bacon and leek pie if you can; it’s served with cabbage, green beans, gravy, and the creamiest mash you’ll ever taste.
As for puddings, the plum and blackberry crumble with custard is a great winter treat, but if you’re ready for a challenge, go for the tiramisu. It was about the size of my head (not a complaint). Served with an extra dollop of cream and orange zest, it’s a seriously indulgent dessert likely to put you to sleep on the way home.
This charming pub does everything right. Elevating the classics is a perilous task even the most accomplished establishments can struggle with, but Ring O’Bells takes it all in its stride. No faff, no deconstructed plates – just quality British food served in style.
