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
“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!”
Summary
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 past 20 years, it's been made over by Nigel Haworth of nearby Northcote Manor fame. Back in 2004 it was as part of Ribble Valley Inns but now it’s in partnership with Martin Aspinall, trustee of the Standen Estate. Launched in October 2021, Nigel is aiming to put back the ‘original magic of The Three Fishes alongside... sustainability and local sourcing’.
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 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 |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £26.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
Mitton Rd, Whalley, BB7 9PQ
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑7 pm |
