Inn at Whitewell, The

Everybody agrees that proprietor Richard Bowman is a bit of an unusual and quirky character, but this does ensure that a visit to this delightful inn in the tiny, and slightly remote, village of Whitewell, is guaranteed not to be a boring experience.

However, it is also renowned as being one of the finest places to dine in the area, and the numerous awards that it has received during more than twenty years under his ownership are evidence of that. Delightfully different inside, with log fires, colourful rugs and an amazing mix of pieces and pieces, it has a comfortable feel.

Excellent bar food could run to sirloin steak or beer-battered haddock and chips, and a delicious fish pie; the restaurant is a touch more sophisticated with main courses like roast Goosnargh duck with black pudding sausage and tomato and bean cassoulet or local estate venison with walnut and thyme rösti, baked figs and sloe gin sauce.

Wines are very much a feature, and the list has been compiled with great care and expertise, it also provides good value.