GOOD traditional Sunday roast lunches are hard to beat for satisfaction and so, with this in mind, we booked a table at the splendid looking Falcon Manor Hotel in Settle.

This grade II listed building was built in 1841 and has been nicely converted yet many original features have been retained.

We entered to the left of the building via the Falconers bar once the door had been unlocked to allow wheelchair access.

Here we had a quick drink prior to dining. The bar serves Skipton's very own Copper Dragon ale, which, as one of my favourite local real ales, was a fine surprise. No disabled loo was available, yet the toilets were accessible by wheelchair.

While savouring our ale etc in the bar, we ordered starters from a choice of vegetable soup and hors d'oeuvres then main courses from a selection of lamb, beef, turkey, cod or vegetarian alternatives. All to come with roast potatoes and an array of vegetables.

Thirsts quenched, we made our way to the impressively appointed Ingfield restaurant which was full to capacity (about 18 tables) once ourselves and two other groups had arrived.

My wife and father-in-law started with the soup whereas my daughter and I had the hors d'oeuvres which was a selection of roll-mop herring, pt, smoked fish, avocados, water melon, hard-boiled eggs with prawns in a hollandaise sauce - all well laid out as a buffet.

Return visits to the buffet were encouraged and the plates were continually topped up. The hors d'oeuvres was excellent especially the herring which despite being a bit too off the beaten track' for my daughter, I found to be extremely fresh and full of flavour.

The soup was reported as being delicious.

For main courses, the lamb was all gone due to its popularity, which was a shame but as a back up, Dad, my daughter and I had turkey with stuffing. My wife had cod with a herb and cheddar crust. There was no shortage of vegetables and the roasties, which often disappoint when eating out, were excellent. Both fish and turkey were succulent and made up for the lack of lamb.

Desserts included rich chocolate terrine, brle, selection of dairy ice creams, apple pie with custard, and sticky toffee pudding, which was available with custard, cream or ice cream.

At a very reasonable £9.95 a head for three courses, we had an excellent lunch in sophisticated surroundings with impeccable service - a place we will definitely revisit.

Reviewed by: Ian Ludlam-Brown