A pub crowned the nation's favourite for its home-cooked grub has rolled out a brand new Spanish-themed menu for diners this week.

The White Lion in Delph celebrated success in November last year after it battled it out with 205 other Thwaites pubs across the country in hopes of coming home with an award.

The pub scooped the covert title of 'best pub food' after judges praised the alehouse for its "varies homecooked menu" and "calendar of charitable food-themed events".

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

The longstanding tenant at The White Lion, Alan Warrior, said the team were "proud" and "over the moon" to win the top award.

The pub is also keen on helping to support the local community, often putting on live events and music nights, and its weekly 'recession menu' for the over 60s where diners can tuck into a starter and a main for £5 on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The Oldham Times even paid the pub a visit to see if it stood up to the test and said it "oozes tradition" with food, particularly its homemade cooked chips, "cooked to perfection".

Now, the cosy countryside pub has announced a new tapas menu is in town as of Wednesday, March 6, which will be available for diners between 12-2.30pm and 4.30-9.30pm every Wednesday to Friday, and 12-9.30pm every Saturday.

A sneak peek preview of the menu reveals an impressive array of Spanish-themed dishes, from salami and tortilla to a whole potato menu, including patatas bravas and croquetas, a meat menu with chorizo, ribs, stew, meatballs and more, plus vegetable options, salads and sides, and seafood which include gambas (prawns), calamari and mussels. 

While it is recommended diners order between 2-3 dishes each in the typical tapas style, with each dish ranging from as little as £3.50 up to £10.50, there is also an option to order a main meal such as a seafood paella or, interestingly, chicken in cola.

The White Lion states all its food is freshly prepared to order and advised customers to prepare for just a "short wait" for the food.

However, the menu adds: "It's well worth the wait."

Customers who attended the soft launch of the tapas menu took to social media to share their thoughts.

One woman wrote: "It was really good.

"The staff there worked so hard to make sure it all went smoothly - give it a go.

"Alan and team, it's a 10 from us!"

Another diner added: "Best pub in the village, use it or lose it."

However, fear not if you still want your roast or fish and chip fix as the pub said it will still host 'Fish Friday', Sunday roasts and breakfast meals as normal. 

Got a restaurant you’d like us to review, a business shout-out or another story idea? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge