Main Street, Gisburn, BB7 4HH
Harden's survey result
Summary
“As close to true Italian food as you will find outside Italy” – “Cinzia and Maurizio Bocchi continue to offer some of the UK’s most authentic Italian cuisine” at this converted weaver’s cottage in the Ribble Valley. “There’s more than a hint of agriturismo to the operation, with by far the bulk of ingredients being sourced locally” (Maurizio is a ‘Taste Ambassador’ for Marketing Lancashire). “Olive oils, PDO meats, and wines come from Italy; and the wine list – all Italian – repays a good study”. Top Menu Tip – “Starters and pasta are perhaps the biggest strength. If you can persuade Cinzia to let you order some olive Ascolani, you must: olives, stuffed with minced pork, and deep fried in breadcrumbs: heaven! The coffee menu is almost ludicrously long, but a straightforward espresso is always superb, and you really need to order a coffee to get the excellent biscuits etc that come with it!”
Summary
“The closest you will get to a true Italian Restaurant, without leaving the UK” – Maurizio and Cinzia Bocchi’s “discreet and intimate” “landmark of authentic Italian cooking” occupies a converted weaver’s cottage on the A59 in the Ribble Valley, and is “rare (if not unique) in the north” in terms of its genuine style and high level of accomplishment. Don’t expect pizza – the repertoire is faithfully north Italian and there’s a wide selection of Italian wines, beers and aperitivi. (Although the restaurant runs events supporting Italian produce – for example for olive oil importers – Maurizio is also Marketing Lancashire’s ‘Taste Lancashire Ambassador’ and over 80% of the restaurant’s produce is locally sourced).
Summary
“Think of La Locanda as small agriturismo restaurant somewhere rural in the northern half of Italy, but which has somehow materialised in a weaver’s cottage in the Ribble Valley, on the main E-W route of the A59, and you’ll get an idea of what the Bocchis are about. Maurizio cooks; Cinzia serves (loudly). Fresh produce in virtually all dishes is locally sourced, the meats usually from a local organic farm a couple of miles away. Drinks are resolutely Italian. Don’t ask for Coke: they don’t have it, but they have a couple of Italian colas, among the intriguing soft drinks list. The same goes for the lengthy beer list, and the oenophiliac delight that is the wine list. What a wine list. Wines I have never seen anywhere else in this country, and in all the years I’ve been going to La Locanda, not a single disappointing wine. While the wine list explores every corner of Italy, the food, or at least the cooking, tends to focus more on the rustic styles of the north, particularly Lombardy and Piedmont. It's important to note that there is no pizza and there is definitely no garlic bread: this is an Italian Italian, not a Britalian. Cinzia runs front of house: some find her a bit abrupt, but she really isn’t: the problem is that she speaks Italian using English words”.
Summary
“Recommended for real Italian food and wine” – Maurizio and Cinzia Bocchi’s converted cottage (on the A59) in the Ribble Valley is that surprisingly rare find, a good rural Italian. It boasts a “brilliant” and intriguing all-Italian wine list, “passionate” service and food using carefully sourced ingredients. Pasta, in particular, is excellent here.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at La Locanda?
Owner's description
A multi-award-winning, traditional Italian restaurant nestled in Lancashire’s wonderful Ribble Valley.
Full of original, rustic charm, La Locanda’s owners Maurizio and Cinzia Bocchi will take you to the heart of Italian cuisine, serving you authentic, seasonal recipes that go back generations.
“Each dish served has been passed down through generations, and we hope our commitment, devotion and passion for excellence is apparent throughout the flavours and taste of each dish”
The menu is refreshed on a weekly basis to reflect and celebrate the flavours, aromas, and textures of the finest and freshest seasonal produce available. Over 85% the ingredients are sourced locally and as we only select the best quality and freshest produce available on the day, some dishes on the menu may change without notice.
If you would like to know more about any of La Locanda’s dishes, their ingredients or heritage, Cinzia, the restaurant owner, will happily discuss.
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £33.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £6.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The chef
Born and raised on the banks of Lake Maggiore, in the north of Italy and close to neighbouring Switzerland, Maurizio’s love of food began at an early age. He loved heading out into the woods and foraging for wild mushrooms with his grandmother, and to watch his mother making bread, using flour from the local mill, and fresh pasta with the eggs collected from the hen house.
Motivated by his uncompromising drive to make sure that Italy’s traditional food heritage was properly respected, in 2003, he and Cinzia established La Locanda and the rest, as they say, is history. Now, more than 12 years down the line, La Locanda has won numerous awards, accreditations and accolades for its Slow Food ethos and credentials, and for its authentic representation of Italian food culture and traditions.
La Locanda Restaurant Diner Reviews
"I visited Tuesday 20th August with friends who were visiting from USA. From start to finish the attention to detail , the food , The owner’s knowledge and history was second to none , It was a fantastic experience and the food will not disappoint. No compromise on authentic Italian dishes . Will definitely visit again and I’ve already recommended it to family and friend "
Main Street, Gisburn, BB7 4HH
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑8 pm |
