Had a delightful lunch at the Inn at Whitewell for my mum’s 70^th birthday earlier this month. The Inn is a sixteenth century coaching inn that sits in the middle of the gorgeous Trough of Bowland next to the River Hodder. As a family, we’d been to the Inn before and had a wonderful meal, so it was a no brainer to go back again for mum’s special birthday.

The Inn itself isn’t the easiest place to get to, and unfortunately driving is the only option as it is rather remote, on a country road halfway between Lancaster and Clitheroe. It takes about half an hour from Lancaster, and the road is very twisty and turny, but through some beautiful North Lancashire countryside. Just be aware that in many parts the road is narrow (so passing places are used) and also open to the fields where there may be sheep and lambs on or very close to the road.

Anyway, back to the Inn. I rang up before the day to ask for a bottle of Prosecco on the table when we arrived, and they were very happy to accommodate. In the eventuality we were early so it came just after we sat down – that wasn’t the inn’s fault that it wasn’t there, as I mentioned we were fifteen minutes early! I’d also asked whether they were able to do something with candles. As it transpired, they were able to put a candle in our shared pudding, so she could blow out a birthday candle and make a wish.

The Inn itself has a reputation for excellence in food and service, with head chef Jamie Cadman now in his twentieth year of being there, producing excellent cuisine and highlighting produce from the local area. The Inn is particularly well known for its fish pie, of which they were able to do a smaller portion for mum for her main. This was great because she can often become over faced by large portions of food and be put off, so it was great that they were able to accommodate a slightly smaller appetite and do a half-portion. She’d had queen scallops to start with. It must have been serendipity that scallops were on the special’s menu on her birthday, as they are her absolute favourite. Must have known we were coming! I didn’t have a starter, instead choosing to have the roast beef (with deliciously cut sirloin) and two Yorkshire puddings (my favourite!) and then having room to share a sticky toffee pudding with mum. Anyway, it was absolutely delicious and when I rose from the table, I was pleasantly full, rather than overly stuffed, which is sometimes a side effect of eating in these nice places.

The inn also has rooms, and other activities available for those who would like to stay. It is also very popular with walkers, as it is surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, to go off for a nice amble or a more strenuous hike, before heading to the pub for lunch (Be aware that the pub serves lunch between 12pm – 2pm, so your party will need to order before 2pm). What a lovely way to spend a weekend morning and lunchtime!