IMAGINE a traditional country pub complete with oak-panelled bar, the aroma of quality home-cooked food and a peaceful atmosphere enjoyed by generations of customers.

There are very few pubs that fit that bill as beautifully as The Livesey Arms, at Ludborough.

Tucked away just off the bustle of the A16 is this little haven of tranquility.

The Livesey is comfortable and clean and the standard of service is excellent.

In order to further enjoy the throw-back to how country pubs used to be, try to picture a small group of people picking berries from the bushes adjoining the relatively large car park next to the pub.

The well-kept frontage to this proud-looking establishment in the shadow of St Mary’s Church is an example of how much the pub is a focal point of its community.

The last time I visited, regulars had stripped off for a tasteful Calendar Girls-style photo shoot in aid of The Bottoms Up Appeal supported by the Grimsby Telegraph.

One of the enduring memories of The Livesey’s long history is of the bare backsides of a group of burly gentlemen jogging off naked through the small meadow at the rear of pub in order to have their photos taken.

I enjoyed seeing some classic cars in the car park, including a Ferrari and an Aston Martin cruising through the village.

It’s hard to remember when we all used to drive through Ludborough before the bypass was built.

The Livesey was one of the landmarks you could set you journey time by as you headed to and from Louth.

Any traveller stopping off at the Livesey would never be disappointed. However, despite the colourful heritage of the pub, it has never stuck in the past thanks to the owners.

They have tastefully designed the restaurant, giving it a fresh modern feel, and created a relaxing foyer where diners can enjoy a drink seated on sofas before taking to their table.

Although the pub has many plus points, the best bit by far is the food.

When was the last time you had a delicious steak with handcut chips from home-grown potatoes served with onion rings and trimmings, all on a wooden slab?

“The well-kept frontage to this proud-looking establishment in the shadow of St Mary’s Church is an example of how much the pub is a community focal point.”

It was superb. The £12 dish was cooked and presented well. My dining partner had steak and ale pie at £9 and she loved it. Again the hand cut chips were a delight.

We took our time making our selection because the menu is varied.

From the Saturday lunch menu there were tempting Lincolnshire sausages, a fish finger buttie or grilled bacon and sauteed field-mushrooms.

Also on offer were the home-made Livesey cheese burger at £9, mussels and chips at £7 mushroom risotto at £8 and the cockle and mussel linguini also £8.

The Livesey recently won best pub in the Grimsby Telegraph’s Restaurant Of The Year contest and it is easy to see why - the food is superb, the setting is picture-perfect and the welcome is very friendly.

The Livesey Arms contact details and location map