Well what a fabulous and interesting weekend we had and the old saying of 'Never judge a book by its cover' was never more true. Joshna Catering at The Wellington Pub, Bolton and The Brinsop Arms Country Inn, Westhoughton are both hidden gems in Bolton just waiting to be discovered

Firstly we went along to meet with Joshna Catering. David went to speak to them in their new venue at The Wellington Pub, 51 Bury New Road, Bolton. Pritesh has recently taken over the venue with the intention of turning it into a great pub with food venue. While the outside looks very traditional, the internal refurbishment provides a pleasant and comfortable pub atmosphere. The real hidden gem here is their well equipped function room. This room has all the trimmings you would expect to be able to host any event but with the unsual added extra's of large screens and projectors making it a great conference facility too.

The Wellington incorperates Joshna Catering and they hold banquet evenings in the function room and I am reliably informed that the indian cuisine they serve is outstanding. We are booked on their next event on Saturday 25th September 2010 so watch this space for a review. Joshna also provides outside catering for events. There feature on thebestofbolton can be found by clicking on the link below.

http://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/bolton/business-guide/feature/joshna/13888

Our other sparkling surprise this weekend was The Brinsop Arms Country Inn. This really is a hidden gem. The outside is naff (a slightly stronger word was used to manager Ian Haggerty) and in no way would make you want to stop by for a drink never mind something to eat. However be brave enough to walk through the doors and you will be truly amazed! The decor, seating and ambience is delightful. They do a great selection of wines with a red, white and rose Rioja! Lots of guest ales and a great bar menu. We didn't eat but drooled over everyone else's food which smelled delicious and was presented in a very contemporary way. We will be taking the children back to sample their mussels and frites, now will it be one kilo each or two?

Ian kindly showed us their function room and again I was taken aback by the lovely ambience of this room, its large, airy and well decorated with a lovely bar and chill out area attached.

The Brinsop was given to us as a recommendation by someone booking their wedding and her comments were that she toured the length and breadth of Bolton looking for function rooms and theirs was by far the best. 

Ian informed us that The Brinsop will be undergoing a large refurbishment plan with the exterior being top of the list, followed by the interior. The Brinsop have a bistro restaurant and intend to carry the relaxed and informal seating through to the Bistro. Whichever area you choose to dine though, they are extremely flexible with the menu serving either menu in either place. 

I love their attitude to customer service and really wanting to give customers a memorable experience.

The Brinsop Arms are not yet a member of thebestofbolton but we know they should be, this is really one of the great places in Bolton and a real hidden gem.