Lancashire, famous for hot pot and cheese, is becoming a foodie paradise and there are some tasty country inns and restaurants to visit.
The Redwell Country Inn and Restaurant, in Arkholme near Carnforth, has retained its Taste Lancashire Award for the second year running. The restored inn with spectacular views across the Lune Valley has 27-year-old chef and patron Rob Talbot who has created a contemporary dining room and locally-sourced menu.
His customers were so keen on products he used that in June he opened the Lune Valley Smokehouse at the back of the inn, selling fine smoked meat and fish, as well as “Laggis” (Lancashire Haggis). See www.redwellinn.net
Chef Patron, Anson Bolton’s The Millstone at Mellor was crowned Tourism Pub of the Year in this year’s Lancashire Tourism Awards. It was congratulated on its use and promotion of local produce and clever marketing initiatives – they’ll even swap you a beer for your first class, home grown fruit and veg. Double room from £62 a night. See www.millstonehotel.co.uk
Northcote in Langho, near Blackburn won the Small Hotel of the Year award. Chefs Nigel Haworth (joint director with Craig Bancroft) and Lisa Allen (head chef) are both former winners of the BBC’s Great British Menu as well as recognised ambassadors for Lancashire food and drink. Northcote, in the county’s beautiful Ribble Valley, has 14 rooms with opulent fabrics and distinctive furnishings (above), state of the art multi-media equipment and luxurious bathrooms. Some rooms have their own garden terrace. Double rooms from £195 a night. See www.northcote.com
Northcote, The Millstone at Mellor and The Redwell County Inn & Restaurant will represent Lancashire in next year’s national VisitEngland Awards. For more information about Lancashire food and drink see www.visitlancashire.com/taste
