Old Three Pigeons, Nesscliffe

Star rating: ****

Revisiting an old favourite pub can be a disappointment, writes Abigail Bates; either things aren't as good as you remember, or they've changed so much that the place is barely recognisable.

But when my friend Alex and I went to the Old Three Pigeons in Nesscliffe for a meal, we were pleasantly surprised.

I'd never been to the pub before, but for Alex it is an old haunt; he has spent many a night in the bar with friends, drinking until the small hours. The place holds some fond memories for him, so I decided to give it a try.

When we arrived we were greeted with a warm welcome, and the pub was quite busy, even though it was Tuesday night.

The interior has a rustic, country pub feel, but with a hint of elegance; the floors and ceilings are wooden, the specials are written on a blackboard, and about half a dozen locals were propping up the bar.

The pub was the former local of Sir Humphrey Kynaston, a highwayman who, according to legend, lived in a cave on top of Nesscliffe Hill, a fugitive from the law. Intrigued, I've since sought to learn more, and found that his seat, supposedly taken from his cave, now makes up the fireplace in the pub.

Apparently, Sir Humphrey came into the pub one day, found another man in his seat and shot him dead!

Not wanting to risk the same fate, I gave the fireplace seat a miss and dived straight on to a comfortably looking sofa where we perused the menus.

Yes, menus, plural; just when I thought I'd chosen something from the main menu, I noticed the pasta and salad menu, and then there was the specials board, so I had to start the whole process again. Poor Alex was probably starving!

I eventually settled on Tex Mex chicken, and he opted for gammon with eggs.