EACH week in the Lancashire Telegraph we'll be shouting about the best places to go in East Lancs.
Whether it's the cosiest country pubs, the swankiest wine bars, prize winning pizza restaurants or the tastiest restaurants, we'll be talking up the hottest venues in a county renowned for its food and drink.
We'll be asking readers for their top tips on where to go – and throwing in some of our own suggestions too.
This week we're giving you the lowdown on the best 'gastro-pubs' – and thanks to this year's Estrella Damm Gastropub Awards we had no trouble whittling down the favourites. Three of our top five featured in these popular awards – let us know what you think.
1. The White Swan at Fence
We love this humble pub which in 2018 bagged a Michelin star. Chef Tom Parker spent seven years working at the legendary Northcote after writing to boss Nigel Haworth aged 16. He moved to Fence in 2013 and his hard work paid dividends in style last year. Still under 30, he appeared on Great British Menu in 2017. It was named as the 19th best gastropub by Estrella Damm – but it's definitely our number one.
2. The Parkers Arms in Newton-by-Bowland
A regular on these sorts of lists, the Parkers Arms in Newton-in-Bowland has been delighting diners in the Ribble Valley with its no nonsense quality menu for years. Stosie Madi, co-owner and chef at the restaurant, told the LT it was the fifth year in a row they had made it onto the list. It was also the only venue to feature in the top 20 with a female chef-owner, a fact of which Stosie is rightly very proud.
3. The Freemasons at Wiswell
Third on our list and also in the national rundown, one place behind celebrity chef Tom Kerridge’s pub Coach, was the Freemasons at Wiswell.
Owner Steve Smith, who also named gastropub chef of the year award, said the awards had kicked-off what promises to be a ‘game-changer’ of a year for The Freemasons with a new kitchen extension and four bedrooms due to launch in spring.
4. The Assheton Arms in Downham
This top pub is especially passionate about seafood – and was given a nod in the national shortlist at number 45. Its menu is written freshly every day, allowing the kitchen to make the most of whatever fish and seafood has just been landed alongside the best seasonal and regional produce the market has to offer. On Sundays, they add a choice of roasts with all the trimmings from local farmers.
5. The Inn at Whitewell
The Inn at Whitewell has been going strong for years – but for our money hit the big time when Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon dropped by in The Trip – their tongue-in-cheek gastronomic tour of the North. That the Whitewell pub was included in a series that largely concentrated on the Lakes was testament to its quality ... and that still stands today. You’ll need to save up, mind.
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