Forest of Bowland, Clitheroe, BB7 3AT
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Everything you could wish for in a romantic weekend get-away” – this “special”, remote inn set in the Ribble Valley occupies a “memorable location”, “nestled alongside the River Hodder”, and itself “full of character” (if you stay, each of the “beautifully appointed rooms is decorated to a high standard, each with a peat fire for those colder winter visits”). The menu overseen by chef Jamie Cadman (who cooked for Queen Elizabeth II when she popped in to celebrate her 80th) is more that of a superior pub than of a restaurant, with dishes like Potted Duck Terrine and Shoulder of Burholme Lamb rubbing shoulders with Fish Pie, Fish ’n’ Chips and Steak. The wine list is excellent, as you’d expect for a site that also hosts a vintners. This year’s worst report? – “the cooking is very competently executed using the freshest of ingredients although the menu changes little”.
Summary
For “unfussy, non-pretentious dining”, plus superb wines from the on-site Bowland Forest Vintners, head to this “truly dazzling, remote inn set in the Ribble Valley”, which provides a “stunning romantic backdrop”. Those who overnight rate the “open peat fires in the bedrooms and sumptuous four-poster beds”, while the locally sourced food – overseen for over two decades by Jamie Cadman, during which time the late Queen Elizabeth II herself popped in to celebrate her 80th birthday over lunch – is sufficiently convincing that “you are happy to eat for several consecutive evenings” if on a longer break here.
Summary
“A great escape” – this famous country inn (dating from the sixteenth century) provides a “delightful setting” thanks both to its picturesque situation, by the River Hodder in the Forest of Bowland, and also its cosy and traditional interior and rooms: “idyllic for a romantic break”. Chef Jamie Cadman has been at the stoves for the last 20 years and maintains a very high quality of traditional-with-a-twist cuisine, backed up by the impressive wine list one would expect of an establishment with its own onsite retail wine merchants (‘Bowland Forest Vintners’, which has operated for over 40 years). “Dining outside in summer on the terrace is a particular pleasure”.
Summary
“Just a fabulous timeless spot that does exactly what is expected and pretends to be nothing but itself” – this celebrated country inn is scenically situated by the River Hodder in the Forest of Bowland, and its hallmarks are “old-fashioned good service”, “an exceptional atmosphere with open fires in the winter”, “great wine” (which it sells also at retail onsite, trading as ‘Bowland Forest Vintners’) plus “consistently good food”, “simply done”. Top Menu Tip – “the fish pie is an excellent choice”.
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Have you eaten at The Inn at Whitewell?
Owner's description
The Inn at Whitewell is an old fashioned rural Inn, welcoming to all, providing 23 bedrooms of some glamour, seriously good local ingredients cooked well and a noteworthy selection of drinks. We aim to offer a relaxed and friendly service, avoiding too much frippery, devoid of snobbery but hopefully providing an experience that is relevant, very enjoyable and not too expensive.
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
 Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
Forest of Bowland, Clitheroe, BB7 3AT
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
