Inn at Whitewell

Very civilised hotel with smartly pubby atmosphere, good bar food and luxury bedrooms

Surely one of the most beautifully decorated places in the Guide, the interior of this elegant manor house hotel has been simply designed with great sensitivity to the history of the building. Handsome old wood furnishings including antique settles, oak gateleg tables and sonorous clocks, stand out well 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 eighteen by the glass (there is a good wine shop in the reception area), organic ginger beer, lemonade and fruit juices and three real ales on handpump that might be from Bowland, Copper Dragon and Timothy Taylor. Staff are courteous and friendly. The building is nicely positioned with delightful views from the riverside bar and adjacent terrace and is well placed if you want to spend a day or two walking on the nearby moors of the Forest of Bowland. They own several miles of trout, salmon and sea trout fishing on the Hodder, and can arrange shooting and make up a picnic hamper.

Besides lunchtime sandwiches, well presented bar food might include grilled baby squid filled with chorizo with carrot salad, fish and chips, sausage and mash, cheese and onion pie, sirloin steak and daily specials such as grilled goats cheese on pepper and red onion salad and roast breast of duck with red onion marmalade and celeriac purée; more reports on the food please.