Forest of Bowland, Clitheroe, BB7 3AT
Harden's survey result
Summary
For “unfussy, non-pretentious dining”, plus superb wines from the on-site Bowland Forest Vintners, head to this “truly dazzling, remote inn set in the Ribble Valley”, which provides a “stunning romantic backdrop”. Those who overnight rate the “open peat fires in the bedrooms and sumptuous four-poster beds”, while the locally sourced food – overseen for over two decades by Jamie Cadman, during which time the late Queen Elizabeth II herself popped in to celebrate her 80th birthday over lunch – is sufficiently convincing that “you are happy to eat for several consecutive evenings” if on a longer break here.
Summary
“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”.
Summary
“Just a fabulous timeless spot that does exactly what is expected and pretends to be nothing but itself” – this celebrated country inn is scenically situated by the River Hodder in the Forest of Bowland, and its hallmarks are “old-fashioned good service”, “an exceptional atmosphere with open fires in the winter”, “great wine” (which it sells also at retail onsite, trading as ‘Bowland Forest Vintners’) plus “consistently good food”, “simply done”. Top Menu Tip – “the fish pie is an excellent choice”.
Summary
“It’s well worth making the effort to find this gem” – a substantial seventeenth-century inn in the gorgeous Forest of Bowland with “a great riverside setting and a real sense of tradition”. A “perennial favourite”, the institution has been run by the Bowman family for three generations. The occasional reporter feels it risks being overtaken by “the number of really fine pub/restaurants in this part of Lancashire”, but most reporters judge it as “simply one of the best spots to enjoy great food and excellent wines”.
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Have you eaten at The Inn at Whitewell?
Owner's description
The Inn at Whitewell is an old fashioned rural Inn, welcoming to all, providing 23 bedrooms of some glamour, seriously good local ingredients cooked well and a noteworthy selection of drinks. We aim to offer a relaxed and friendly service, avoiding too much frippery, devoid of snobbery but hopefully providing an experience that is relevant, very enjoyable and not too expensive.
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
Forest of Bowland, Clitheroe, BB7 3AT
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
