Mitton Rd, Whalley, BB7 9PQ
Harden's says
It's a case of Back to the Future at this ancient inn, closed by Brunning & Price in 2019. For the second time in the last 20 years, it's been made over by Nigel Haworth of nearby Northcote Manor fame. Back in 2004 it was part of Ribble Valley Inns but now it’s in partnership with Martin Aspinall, trustee of the Standen Estate. Launched in November 2021, Nigel is aiming to put back the "original magic of The Three Fishes alongside my drive for sustainability and local sourcing".
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Nigel Howarth is back to his best”, cooking “superb food” at this country inn (“don’t confuse it for a pub, it’s an excellent proper restaurant”) since coming out of retirement three years ago (he made his name as chef-patron for 30+ years at the nearby Ribble Valley culinary heavyweight, Northcote). He certainly hasn’t lost his touch, with one reporter saying he “preferred this to Northcote”; another asked “How has this not been awarded a Michelin star?”. Still a mover-and-shaker in gastronomic circles, Nigel hosted the week-long Fusion 2 festival of prominent chefs last autumn – one of whom was his son Kirk Howarth, of London’s vegan sensation Plates.
Summary
“It’s good to have Nigel Haworth back in a kitchen” and his 2022 return to this country inn, down the road from Northcote where he made his name (and in a pub that he originally helped run as part of the now-defunct chain, Ribble Valley Inns, 20 years ago) has put it firmly on the foodie map: it’s one of the top-100 most commented-on destinations in our annual diners’ poll. There is a ‘Choice’ menu (mains are typically £30-£40 per plate) or a ‘Farm to Fork’ tasting menu with five courses for £55 per person or eight courses for £85 per person. One local reporter “had a bit of a disappointing experience when Nigel was on holiday”, but most accounts here are of “fabulous” British cooking and “exceptional value” (“this is a regular for us although it’s a 70-mile round trip!”). Top Menu Tip – “highlight for me was the blood orange soufflé with chocolate milk ice cream and honeycomb”.
Summary
“It’s well worth the drive out to Mitton” to sample “fantastic food prepared by an exceptional chef” – “Nigel Howarth, back where he belongs cooking up a storm in Lancashire”. Formerly the culinary force behind nearby regional powerhouse Northcote, he “has revived this lovely restaurant” (a pub he was originally involved with 20 years ago, when it was part of the Ribble Valley Inns chain) “and made it is own” with “food that represents his character and seasonal dishes that keep the menu changing, so there’s always something different to try”. “The service is really good and the ambience is very friendly and relaxed”.
Summary
“Hurrah! Nigel Haworth has come out of retirement, and he’s also brought/bought the original pub of Northcote's former Ribble Valley Inns out of retirement” – which means that this long-time champion of Lancashire gastronomy is at the helm here for the second time in 20 years. He also “seems to have done the impossible: found some good front-of-house staff and trained them well”. Most reports eulogise “spot-on meals” that are “so well thought out and good value for the quality” (although one or two dissenters dragged the ratings down.) Top Tip – “a big cheer for Lancashire cheese ice cream… it’s fabulous!”
For 34 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 The Three Fishes?
Owner's description
Talented Ian Moss, brings a first class CV to the kitchen, his previous position was sous chef at Northcote, where he experienced first hand Nigel Haworth’s philosophy on food and creating relationships with the local suppliers. Working alongside General Manager Martin Hurn, the Three Fishes will remain the legendary and successful regional food pub it has become over the last ten years.
As the flagship and first born to Ribble Valley Inns, this country pub, will continue to have its menus inspired by Nigel Haworth using only the freshest ingredients, harvested by our local food heroes. Enjoy regional Cask Ales and an award winning wine list specially chosen by leading wine expert, Craig Bancroft. All of this in a wonderfully relaxing environment for eating out — with al fresco dining in the summer and crackling logs fires in the winter.
Prices
 Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £26.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
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|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The Three Fishes Restaurant Diner Reviews
"There opening times are advertised as 11.30. On arrival at 11.45, we found the doors locked and the subsequent member of staff insisted that they did not open until 12.00 pm Given our restaurant booking was for 12.00 pm, there is clearly an issue with communication! We eat on a Saturday lunchtime after they had suffered a significant burst water pipe flooding. Whilst coping well with the ensuing aftermath, unfortunately my wife was seated on a wet cushion. Overall, not a good start.. Having eaten here many time, we persevered. I'm glad we did. We ordered three started and one main course. The starters were excellent, especially the salmon and the pork belly. However, the standout was the lobster tail. This is often ofter over presented but here was let the lobster speak for itself. The only real disappointment was the liver main course. Not the beat liver I've ever tasted by far. The puddings were very good, including the Panacotta and the soufflé. Service is very good; respectful and polite. The wine list is acceptable, even if the the very best wines are very expensive but there are other good wines at reasonable prices. The Three Fishes is certainly worth a visit."
"Nigel continues to delight with his regional food and nothern portions. Really enjoy his set 5/7 courses featuring seasonal foods. The lobster soup was delicious followed by the pheasant and little cottage pie. The soufflé was a lovely light dessert. "
Mitton Rd, Whalley, BB7 9PQ
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 11:30 am‑11 pm |
| Friday | 11:30 am‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 11:30 am‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 11:30 am‑7 pm |
