Hardens Guide to the Best Restaurants in Rawtenstall
Hardens guides have spent 33 years compiling reviews of the best Rawtenstall restaurants. On Hardens.com you'll find details and reviews of 12 restaurants in Rawtenstall and our unique survey based approach to rating and reviewing Rawtenstall restaurants gives you the best insight into the top restaurants in every area and of every type of cuisine.
Featured Rawtenstall Restaurants
2. The Three Fishes
British, Traditional restaurant in Whalley
Mitton Rd - BB7
“It’s well worth the drive out to Mitton” to sample “fantastic food prepared by an exceptional chef” – “Nigel Howarth, back where he belongs cooking up a storm in Lancashire”. Formerly the culinary force behind nearby regional powerhouse Northcote, he “has revived this lovely restaurant” (a pub he was originally involved with 20 years ago, when it was part of the Ribble Valley Inns chain) “and made it is own” with “food that represents his character and seasonal dishes that keep the menu changing, so there’s always something different to try”. “The service is really good and the ambience is very friendly and relaxed”.
3. Northcote
British, Modern restaurant in Langho
Northcote Rd - BB6
“Going from strength to strength under the stewardship of Lisa Goodwin-Allen” – this much-extended manor house in the Ribble Valley (just off the A59) built its renown under chef Nigel Haworth and his former-protégée Lisa’s “exceptional and innovative” cuisine maintains its reputation in fine style, thanks to the “really excellent layers of flavour and texture running through all her dishes”. Although its nowadays in the same group as that of The Stafford in London’s St James’s, long term MD Craig Bancroft remains at the helm and “the fact that he is so closely involved and so passionate about wine just shines through in the wine list (of course there are well-known vintages from France etc, but many other interesting options)”. The odd regular fears that “a corporate approach is taking over the uniqueness that is Northcote”, but most accounts applaud the “lovely” setting. A highpoint of the year here is the annual Obsession food festival, which runs annually for two weeks in January and February with a series of guest meals from famous chefs – it has established itself now as a key event in the UK’s annual foodie calendar.
4. White Swan at Fence
British, Modern restaurant in Fence
300 Wheatley Lane Rd - BB12
This “proper local pub but with Michelin star food” is many reporters’ “restaurant of the year” – with service that’s both “fun and professional, not at all stuffy” and “stunningly good food” from chef Tom Parker, who trained at nearby Lancashire powerhouse Northcote. Top Menu Tip – “the beetroot ice cream is sublime”.
5. Freemasons at Wiswell
British, Modern restaurant in Wiswell
8 Vicarage Fold Clitheroe - BB7
“Set in a tiny hamlet in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley”, Steve Smith’s “fine-dining destination disguised as a pub with rooms” is one of the top 50 most commented-on destinations outside London in our annual diners’ poll. “The food is superb, and the wine list well chosen” and it’s all served “in an easygoing atmosphere… you can even take the dog!” Even amongst fans, though, opinions divide sharply over the level of value it provides: what is “very fair” to some is – to others – becoming more borderline (“I know everything is more expensive now, but sadly this is now in the sphere of me not being able to justify the expense”).
6. YU
Chinese restaurant in Copster Green
500 Longsight Rd - BB1
Victor Yu’s “exceptional” Ribble Valley landmark celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, serving delicious Cantonese meals with a real sense of occasion. “Love this place, service is brilliant and Victor is an absolute star”, say fans – “the tasting menu offers something for everyone; it’s expensive, but worth it”.
7. The Higher Buck
British, Modern restaurant in Waddington
The Square - BB7
Chef-patron Michael Heathcote has established a solid following for this Ribble Valley establishment, where he celebrates a decade this year. The “top-value Sunday lunch” is a big attraction – along with “exceptional fish soup”.
8. The Black Friar
British, Modern restaurant in Manchester
13 King Street - M3
“This old Salford pub has risen from the dead” following its long-time closure after a fire; “the fine Victorian building now has a brilliantly designed dining area incorporating much glass, and opening onto a garden with tables”, but it’s also a proper boozer too. Chef Ben Chaplin’s food ranges from “excellent pub grub” to more ambitious fare and “service and ambience are both wonderful”.
9. The Martlet Kitchen
restaurant in Rochdale
Town Hall, The Esplanade - OL16
In the restored splendour of Rochdale’s Victorian Gothic town hall, locally born chef Darren Parkinson offers a smart take on regional dishes – in an early review, The Observer’s Jay Rayner adored the traditional ‘rag’ pudding. It’s also open for breakfast and afternoon tea.
10. COIN Hebden
restaurant in Hebden Bridge
Albert Street - HX7
A “great fit-out” of a former bank has resulted in this very cool destination, run by two alumni of the Moorcock Inn at Sowerby Bridge. It’s “a lovely place to while away a couple of hours” (in the company of your canine if you like), where the concise menu revolves around punchy and “great small plates, including charcuterie and cheese” and there’s “a dependable wine list too”.
11. Sakura
Chinese restaurant in Manchester
8 Salisbury House, St Stephen Street - M3
Opened in August 2022 in a former Chinese takeaway/chip shop, this ‘authentic Hong Kong’ (their words) venue shot to local fame on the back of an April 2023 review from The Observer’s Jay Rayner, who enjoyed its “profoundly comforting” dishes, with the “textural joys” of both traditionally Asian “slippery foods” and plenty of deep-fried, crunchy ones (including “very good chicken wings”). Reports please!
12. SKOF
restaurant in Manchester
3 Federation Street - M4
Opening in 2024 in the city centre's NOMA district, great things are expected of this debut restaurant from Tom Barnes, former executive chef at L'Enclume in the Lake District. He retains close ties with Simon Rogan, his old boss, and will get regular deliveries of produce from L'Enclume's own regenerative farm.
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