Inn at Whitewell

This ancient upmarket inn is a stylish place to stay, dine or just enjoy a drink. Handsome old wood furnishings, including antique settles, oak gateleg tables and sonorous clocks, are set off beautifully against powder blue walls that are neatly hung with big attractive prints. The pubby main bar has roaring log fires in attractive stone fireplaces and heavy curtains on sturdy wooden rails; one area has a selection of newspapers and magazines, local maps and guide books; there's a piano for anyone who wants to play and even an art gallery; board games. Early evening sees a cheerful bustle which later settles to a more tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. Drinks include a good wine list of around 230 wines with 16 by the glass (there is a good wine shop in the reception area), organic ginger beer, lemonade and fruit juices and up to five real ales on handpump that might be from Bowland, Copper Dragon, Moorhouses and Timothy Taylor. Staff are courteous and friendly. The building is nicely positioned in a super setting deep among the hills and moors that rise to the high points of the Forest of Bowland and has delightful views from the riverside bar and adjacent terrace. They own several miles of trout, salmon and sea-trout fishing on the Hodder, and can arrange shooting and make up a picnic hamper.