Searching for one of the best eating places within the Ribble Valley in Lancashire? From high-quality eating, to pubs, cafes and meals halls, this information has all of it.
* I went on this journey in September 2020 when most UK journey restrictions had been lifted. For those who're planning a visit in 2021, make sure you observe security rules and verify with every venue for any extra info which will have an effect on your go to. *
I’m so excited to share one in every of England’s greatest stored secrets and techniques with you! The Ribble Valley is situated close to Preston, a little bit method from Yorkshire and the Lake District. Maybe attributable to its proximity to those well-known magnificence spots, it appears to have been a little bit ignored. Now not although! This would possibly simply be your subsequent British staycation…
The Ribble Valley is a surprising area, with lush countryside, dense forests and naturally a couple of rivers too. As we drove across the slim roads, we crossed bridges each jiffy, regularly weaving out and in of the programs of the River Hodder and River Ribble.
Whereas I’d counsel any journey to this area consists of loads of time open air (don’t miss the Pendle Hill walk), there are a number of beautiful locations to refuel too. In terms of meals, this a part of Lancashire has a superb fame. From Michelin-star eating and cosy pubs, to cute cafes and meals halls, there’s one thing for everybody.
So, if like me you intend your journeys round your rumbling abdomen, it’s time to seek out out about one of the best eating places within the Ribble Valley. Arising, my private evaluations of in all places I ate and drank in a food-filled few days on this spectacular area of Lancashire.
Greatest Eating places In The Ribble Valley
Northcote, Langho
Northcote is likely one of the greatest luxurious nation home resorts within the Ribble Valley, and was awarded a Michelin star in 1996. Being a foodie, I used to be excited to step contained in the kitchen to see head chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen and her workforce exhausting at work.
That is no abnormal lodge kitchen. It’s completely monumental, and even has a chef’s desk to at least one aspect, which doubles because the lodge’s cookery school. I beloved absorbing the thrill as I watched cooks chopping, frying, moulding and utilizing their inventive aptitude to provide beautiful artistic endeavors.
We heard how Northcote’s cookery college has been internet hosting programs on every part from fish cookery and BBQs to pasta and pastry. It regarded like a beautiful place to realize some new expertise, whereas being moments from the motion within the skilled kitchen.
We took our seats within the eating room and loved an unbelievable 3-course lunch, that includes twists on basic dishes and a plethora of seasonal elements. I began with the wild mushrooms on toast – a deconstructed model of the basic that includes a number of sorts of mushrooms on a tasty crumb, with a parmesan tuile angled on high. It was completely scrumptious and the fragile presentation immediately put a smile on my face.
My most important course was one in every of my favorite dishes I’ve eaten in a very long time. The colorful dish featured a salmon fillet on a mattress of Isle of Wight tomatoes, with a splendidly silky bouillabaisse sauce. It was completely divine – candy, wealthy, salty, and moreish!
The service at Northcote was skilled however nonetheless personable. I appreciated listening to the waiters’ descriptions of every dish, and listened avidly to their suggestions when it got here to wine pairings. It was a completely pleasant expertise from begin to end, and it’s straightforward to see why this is likely one of the greatest eating places within the Ribble Valley.
Freemasons at Wiswell
There are a variety of pubs within the Ribble Valley, and plenty of have a speciality. Some are correct boozers, some have fairly environment, some specialize in steak, whereas others deal with high-quality eating. I’d describe The Freemasons at Wiswell as among the best pubs within the Ribble Valley for an important day.
From the skin it appears like a comfy nation pub, however the meals right here is on one other degree. Chef Steven Smith provides a number of menus, together with the subtle ‘Taste of Freemasons’ tasting menu. This four-course extravaganza combines fine-dining with native flavours. It was a wealthy, indulgent menu, however wow was it tasty!
The starter, a cheese and woodland mushroom fondue soup accompanied by a truffled cheese scorching canine was completely unbelievable. I knew from this level onwards we had been in for a decadent night!
Over the course of some hours we loved a roast loin of tandoori cod with a flavoursome prawn curry sauce. Then got here the fillet and cheek of beef, served with fats chips, adopted by a peanut butter parfait – like a complicated Snickers ice cream!
All of the dishes had been offered elegantly, and repair was environment friendly, however unfussy – simply as you’d need in nation pub.
That is one other spot within the Ribble Valley with a chef’s desk in addition to cookery programs. For those who’re in search of a particular deal with for a foodie, you would e-book a gourmet break here, with a cookery course, dinner and an in a single day keep in one in every of 4 luxurious bedrooms.
Stanley House Hotel & Spa
Set in 54 acres of rolling countryside, Stanley Home is a spectacular nation manor lodge, perfect for these planning an opulent journey to the Ribble Valley.
We loved lunch within the courtyard at Mr Fred’s, the lodge’s good brasserie. The setting is wonderful, with views over manicured gardens to the seventeenth century manor home. As we had a spa therapy booked in (extra on that developing) I opted for 2 gentle starters, relatively than a heavy most important course.
The colorful dishes had been fantastically offered. The beetroot salad with goat’s cheese featured three several types of beetroot, and the smoked salmon got here with a tangy cucumber and citrus mayonnaise. A light-weight and summery feast.
After lunch I spent an hour within the award-winning spa, having fun with a blissful physique scrub. The spa at Stanley Home is fashionable with these craving rest, and boasts serene views over rolling hills. The physique scrub I had is thought for rising circulation and eliminating stress. I positively left feeling refreshed. In reality, I just about floated out of there!
Red Pump Inn, Bashall Eaves
As we travelled across the Ribble Valley assembly locals, they had been eager to know the place we had been planning to go for our meals. As quickly as we talked about the Purple Pump Inn, everybody mentioned how good the steaks had been. We couldn’t wait to strive them!
We visited on a Wednesday night and I’m blissful to say it was full. It’s at all times beautiful to see locations busy through the week, particularly contemplating what’s been occurring over the past 12 months.
We loved some tasty rib eye steaks with all of the trimmings – chips, veg and sauces. I can formally say that the peppercorn sauce is likely one of the greatest I’ve ever tasted. I do not know what the key ingredient is, however wow would I just like the recipe!
As with most of the Ribble Valley’s nation pubs, the Purple Pump Inn additionally provides lodging. Moderately than verify in to one of many rooms above the pub, we determined to go for a extra adventurous expertise… a yurt!
There are a number of luxury glamping yurts inside the grounds of the pub, so you’ll be able to take pleasure in a scrumptious steak dinner, then enterprise to your stylish tent for a magical sleep. It felt like one thing out of a fairy story! For those who’re in search of a break with a distinction, I’d positively advocate a break right here.
The Inn at Whitewell
We stopped by The Inn at Whitewell after following one of many Ribble Valley’s ‘Walks With Taste’ – a collection of self-guided walks that showcase the area’s landscapes together with stops at native pubs. This round stroll is slightly below 5km and takes you thru spectacular countryside and features a river crossing utilizing a set of stepping stones.
The historic inn is a part of the Duchy of Lancaster Property, and has been handed down the monarchy all through historical past. So, if you happen to fancy consuming at The Queen’s place, that is about as shut as you’ll in all probability get!
We opted for some gentle dishes of a beetroot and goat’s cheese salad, a plate of gravadlax with pickled cucumber and a few patê. The solar was shining and we had been sat in a beautiful spot on the terrace looking over the River Hodder and the countryside.
It’s a really perfect place for a snack or a drink if you happen to’re strolling within the space. Within the colder months, this is able to be one in every of my high picks for a comfy pub expertise too. I can already image myself tucking right into a Sunday roast with a log hearth roaring subsequent to me!
Bowland Beer Hall, Clitheroe
I actually appreciated exploring Clitheroe. It’s a buzzy city with a fort, a number of outlets and a few upmarket locations to eat and drink. Unquestionably, one of many coolest spots in Clitheroe is Bowland Beer Corridor – part of the Holmes Mill advanced.
The beer corridor is dwelling to one of many longest bars in Britain. It has 42 hand pulls and not less than 24 particular person cask beers at anybody time… and that’s simply the beginning. For those who’re a beer drinker, you’ll be in heaven!
Whereas Macca loved a tasting session, I used to be blissful trying out the constructing’s distinctive design. Incorporating equipment from the previous textiles mill, it’s a particular place to go for a drink within the Ribble Valley. I significantly appreciated the Engine Room, which has large items of authentic equipment within the center.
Oh, and don’t fear if you happen to’re not keen on a pint, you may also order a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, in addition to a hearty menu of bar classics.
Bowland Food Hall, Clitheroe
In the meantime, subsequent door is Clitheroe’s good meals corridor. It’s an enormous constructing with each foodie delight you would dream of. In addition to cabinets and fridges stocked with every part from chilli sauce and cider to contemporary pies and Lancashire cheese (together with some by native favorite Leagram Organic Dairy), there are areas to eat in too.
Whether or not you fancy a espresso and a cake, a glass of wine and a charcuterie platter, or one thing extra substantial, you’ll be able to sit down within the café space or exterior on the benches. It’s a extremely beautiful house (the form of place I might spend hours!) plus it was encouraging to see so many native merchandise on the cabinets.
For those who’re planning a time out within the nation, you’ll be able to organise picnic hampers by way of Holmes Mill. They’ll pack them filled with fashionable gadgets together with freshly made pies and scotch eggs. We took one as much as Bowland Knotts which was beautiful! Nice meals with that backdrop – what’s to not like!
The Emporium, Clitheroe
Moments from Holmes Mill is The Emporium – a restaurant and bar with a dedication to inside design. A former chapel, the constructing has been was a showcase for stunning interiors that you could peruse whereas sitting down for a chew to eat or a cocktail.
We stopped by for dinner one night, having fun with an enormous portion of mussels and a tasty spiced prawn dish. It was a pleasant surroundings for a night on the town, and I discovered myself eyeing up a cool mirror and a unusual clock whereas I in all probability ought to have been concentrating on the meals!
PuddleDucks Tea Rooms, Dunsop Bridge
In case you didn’t know, Dunsop Bridge is the official centre of Nice Britain. Neglect Land’s Finish and John O’Groats, it’s time to place this quaint little village on the map!
For those who do cease by, you completely have to go to PuddleDucks Tea Rooms. In an cute spot close to the river, it’s the right place for a cuppa and a home made slice of cake. We sat out within the backyard space having fun with the sunshine. The workers had been so pleasant – an actual reminder of what northern hospitality is all about.
Mrs Dowsons Farm Park
Searching for someplace enjoyable to take the youngsters? They’ll adore Mrs Dowsons Farm Park! With cows, horses, sheep, al pacas, llamas and even emus, there’s loads to maintain your little ones amused.
In the meantime, foodies ought to head straight to the café. Mrs Dowsons ice cream is famous. After Amanda Dowson’s husband arrange a dairy farm, she determined to launch an ice cream parlour on website. Speak about a wedding made in heaven! Since then Amanda has labored with the likes of Jamie Oliver and Heston Blumenthal, growing some significantly unbelievable (and sometimes wacky) flavours. She additionally provides many Lancashire eating places together with her scrumptious ice lotions.
From mince pie, pear drop and strawberry, to bubblegum, vimto and matcha tea, there are many enjoyable concoctions to select from. The exhausting half? Selecting!
The place To Keep In The Ribble Valley
The Ribble Valley has a broad number of lodging choices on supply. The vast majority of the locations I’ve talked about on this publish, together with Northcote, Stanley Home Lodge & Spa, Freemasons at Wiswell, the Inn at Whitewell and the Purple Pump Inn all supply B&B lodging (together with these enjoyable yurts!)
Listed below are a couple of others that we stayed at throughout our journey to the Ribble Valley.
Mitton Hall Hotel
For those who’re in search of an historic, luxurious lodge within the Ribble Valley, Mitton Corridor can be my best choice. This beautiful nation manor oozes romance and allure, and dates again to the fifteenth century.
What could possibly be extra applicable for our first journey to the Ribble Valley than a keep within the Ribble Suite? The luxurious bed room had a four-poster mattress and views out to the gardens and countryside.
That is additionally a preferred place to get married within the Ribble Valley. It truly is a magical setting, I can solely think about how stunning the marriage pictures can be!
Spread Eagle Inn, Sawley
For those who want staying in nation pubs, positively take a look at the Unfold Eagle Inn within the tiny village of Sawley. It’s in an unbelievable location inside the Forest of Bowland, with the River Ribble flowing alongside one aspect and the stays of a twelfth century abbey on the opposite.
Rooms are good, with stylish furnishings and a rustic allure. It’s an amazing place to loosen up after a day’s strolling or biking. In addition they serve a hearty breakfast too – the right gas for outside adventures.
I hope you’ve loved my information to a number of the greatest eating places within the Ribble Valley. Lancashire has so many nice locations to eat and keep, I can’t wait to listen to the place you select!
An enormous because of Visit Ribble Valley for inviting us to discover this underrated and delightful a part of England. You could find out about a number of the top things to do in the Ribble Valley here.
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