Norden Restaurant Guide

WE ARE A'VUCCIRIA 

One of the “top class gold-standards for restaurants in the North West” – this luxurious country house hotel, just off the A59 near Preston, has risen to ever-greater prominence over the years, and “its new ownership (The Stafford Collection) promises yet-additional investment”. “With Lisa Goodwin Allen now established as Executive Head Chef, there’s a new vibrancy to the cuisine, with interesting and imaginative new dishes whilst maintaining the best from the past” (established under Nigel Haworth); and “better touching base with its North West roots than it has in recent times”. Over the years the property has been lavishly added-to and benefited from a “classy” refurbishment (occasionally felt to be a bit “corporate”). There’s “an exceptionally curated wine list, whose selection is led by MD Craig Bancroft, with plenty of classics but lots of other interesting wines from around the world”. “Will they now get the second Michelin star that they so crave?”

On the outskirts of Ramsbottom, this small inn on the village green was recently well-renovated and has a “good beer garden”. “Any lack of polish service-wise is compensated for by the staff’s enthusiasm and willingness”. “Good quality, traditional British food, with regional variations, and some home-grown vegetables, works well”.