Clitheroe, British, Traditional Restaurant Guide

“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”.

“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”.