Mossley 最佳餐厅

Moor Hall

★★★ Michelin££££Modern British

Charming grounds lead up to this beautifully restored 16th-century country house, where your meal commences with an array of snacks – the last served in the kitchen by Head Chef Mark Birchall, who introduces some of the outstanding produce to come. Once you’re settled in the striking Scandic-style dining room, the main event begins: a procession of refined, stunningly detailed dishes. Mark’s understanding of flavour is impeccable, showcased in brilliant combinations like roasted carrot with sea buckthorn and Doddington cheese. Among the accommodation options are garden rooms that reflect the n

mana

★ Michelin££££Creative British, Modern Cuisine

The personality and experience of chef-owner Simon Martin shine brightly at this stylish, modern restaurant, where every one of the well-spaced tables has a view of the kitchen. British produce leads the way, including plenty of seafood because, as Simon puts it, “we live on an island”. There are many Asian techniques on display and the cooking marries complex flavours with a pure, natural approach, in dishes such as a superb roasted hogget with white miso sabayon.

Skof

★ Michelin££££Creative, Modern Cuisine

Located in an old textile warehouse, this restaurant from former L’Enclume Executive Chef Tom Barnes gives a nod to Manchester’s industrial heritage with its exposed brickwork and girders. The cooking skilfully blends measured international flavours with those from the restaurant’s doorstep; for dessert, you’re just as likely to get amakase sorbet as you are Manchester honey ice cream. The meal ends with a scoop of “Barney’s Tiramisu”, touchingly inspired by Tom’s late father. A relaxed atmosphere is encouraged, with the chef’s hand-picked playlist and the chattering diners combining for a bri

JÖRO

★ Michelin££££Modern Cuisine

JÖRO’s relocation to this 300-year-old former mill on the edge of Sheffield has certainly been a labour of love. The building has been smartly converted, with bedrooms available upstairs and an open kitchen in the dining room. The cooking is pure and occasionally playful, with the quality ingredients treated with respect and understanding. Just take the Vale of Mowbray hogget, for example, enhanced by a mint-tinged lamb jus, a bright tomato and chipotle cream, and a vibrant caponata. The excellent service is a real team effort, with every person brimming with enthusiasm.

🕐 We-Sa 12:00-23:30

The White Swan

★ Michelin£££Modern British

There's a traditional, homely feel to this laid-back pub where you're guaranteed a jolly atmosphere and a proper pint. In fact, it's rare to find somewhere this relaxing that serves food quite this good. The set menu allows the kitchen to concentrate on delivering unpretentious yet refined dishes from small batches of top-quality local and seasonal produce. The likes of organic chicken with morels, white asparagus and wild garlic are prime examples, showcasing impressive classical technique and providing delicious depth of flavour.

Northcote

★ Michelin££££Modern British

After over four decades of consistent culinary success, the Northcote hotel's restaurant continues to excel under the stewardship of Lisa Goodwin-Allen. Her cooking is underpinned by superb produce, which often comes from local, biodynamic and organic suppliers or the kitchen garden. This is fashioned into dishes with distinct, bold flavours, brought together in complementary combinations – such as rabbit 'pillow' with scorched corn, chilli and coriander. The extensive wine list includes some exceptional bottles and a glass-walled "Chef's Table" room lets you in on the action.

The Angel

★ Michelin££££Modern Cuisine

Deep within the Yorkshire Dales sits The Angel, a stunning stone-built inn with 15C origins, which now has a modern Nordic style courtesy of polished concrete floors and light wood furnishings. Classic combinations are to the fore but are subtly modernised and refined, with dishes demonstrating a simplicity that allows every ingredient to shine. The exuberant service team enhance the experience, and the bedrooms – which are spread around the village – mix the classic and the contemporary.

The Barn

★ Michelin£££Modern British

This rustic restored barn is the more informal dining option at the Moor Hall country house hotel, and shares the same ethos as its revered big sister, with much of the seasonal produce coming from their walled garden and grounds – which are well worth exploring. The airy dining room comes with exposed beams and an open kitchen, while the hedge-enclosed terrace by the lake is magical on a sunny day. The cooking is modern and imaginative, with understated elegance and well-judged combinations of punchy flavours – usually started off with a snack of home-cured salami.

sō–lō

★ Michelin££££Modern British

Having worked at various well-regarded restaurants around the country, Tim Allen brought plenty of experience to his first solo venture in this brightly decorated and warmly run converted pub. His contemporary, seasonally pertinent dishes draw their considerable flavour from top-notch ingredients – some are local and others are imported from France, such as exceptional Landes guinea fowl. The textures of each dish are carefully considered too, with aerated or crisped elements perhaps making an appearance. The lunch menu represents good value.

Almanac

必比登££Seasonal Cuisine, Traditional British

What a terrific little neighbourhood spot this is. A bar and restaurant rolled into one, start your visit with a drink from the concise yet quality wine list or classics-with-a-twist cocktail selection. Then turn your attention to the menu of small plates that showcase the kitchen’s unashamedly traditional approach with the likes of mince on dripping toast. Look out for the ‘Orbs of Joy’ – slow-braised Roscoff onions cooked in rich chicken broth – and save room for dessert, especially if that dessert is custard tart.

Erst

必比登££British Contemporary

With its open kitchen, sharing plates, faux-industrial design and bounty of natural wines, there's something incredibly current about Erst. It's truly a restaurant for our times, but cooking like this would be a joy in any era. The underlying themes across the menu are great value and bright, punchy flavours; make sure you start with one of the freshly charred flatbreads, which might come topped with sweet Vesuvio tomatoes. The cuttlefish risotto is terrific too, offering impressive depth of flavour. The friendly team provide natural, attentive service.

The Spärrows

必比登££Modern Cuisine

Nestled under the railway arches in Manchester’s Green Quarter is this somewhat hidden restaurant where you have to ring a bell to enter. Its name is (almost) the English translation of the word ‘spätzle’ – which gives some clue as to the style of food on offer here. An assortment of dumplings and pastas are made in-house, from gnocchi to pelmeni via some excellent pierogi, with bright, fresh salads on hand to balance out the carbs. There's a bottle shop attached for you take something home, while the wine list favours smaller producers – surprisingly, there's a sake selection too.

Higher Ground

必比登££Modern British

What started life as a pop-up in 2020 is now a permanent spot in the heart of the city, owned and run by three friends who also operate wine bar Flawd, seafood and cocktail spot Bar Shrimp, and a market garden in the Cheshire countryside. The latter provides much of the top-quality produce found on the menu, in dishes that are designed for sharing and packed with flavour. Sit at the large counter to see the chefs putting care and pride into every dish, be it cheddar tart with mustard leaf or Scottish halibut with purple sprouting broccoli. The whole team, led by the owners, are charming and ch

🕐 We 17:00-23:00; Th 12:30-13:30,17:00-23:00; Fr,Sa 12:30-14:00,17:30-24:00

El Gato Negro

必比登££spanish, tapas

‘The Black Cat’ is a buzzing tapas restaurant split over three levels: the ground floor is home to the bar and outdoor tables in the pedestrianised street; the first floor boasts great counter seats in front of the open kitchen; and the top floor includes a fabulous roof terrace that’s ideal for private events. The cooking is as enjoyable as the atmosphere, offering great value across the wide selection of recognisable Spanish dishes, including meats from the Josper grill. The chefs certainly know their way round a classical dessert too – so save room for the crèma catalana.

Cantaloupe

必比登££Modern Cuisine

There’s a fresh, clean feel to both the décor and the cooking at this welcoming little wine bar and restaurant. The concise but appealing wine list will appeal to traditional oenophiles, with quality established growers to the fore. The menu has a Mediterranean leaning, so whilst it changes daily, it will likely include a pasta dish and possibly some whole fish. This is cooking that relies on simplicity and skill, with immense care poured into dishes like peri peri octopus and duck fat crisps, so that the natural flavours shine.

Engine Social Dining

必比登££Modern Cuisine

While this friendly neighbourhood restaurant is housed in a traditional stone building, its interior is contrastingly modern, with closely-set, dark wood tables looking onto an open-plan kitchen with a wood-burning oven. The menu of well-priced sharing plates may have a Spanish heart – from the boquerones to the croquetas – but also offers the opportunity to go on a global culinary journey. Start in Mexico with the generously topped tacos, fly over to Vietnam for the bánh mì prawn toast, then end up back in Blighty for sticky toffee pudding. Whatever you choose, it will burst with colour and f

Norman's Neighbourhood Kitchen

必比登££Mediterranean Cuisine, Asian Influences

The name (almost) says it all here: it is indeed an endearing neighbourhood bistro, but Norman is not in fact the owner – instead, it’s the name of both the owner’s dog and his grandfather. Rustic décor adds to the welcoming feel, as do the polite, helpful service team. The sharing plates offer great value and have a playful streak, as evidenced by the pig's cheek glazed in Henderson's Relish, the cult condiment from nearby Sheffield. The wine list is concise but, refreshingly, it’s all available by the glass – and the local ales are understandably popular.

Prashad

必比登££Indian Vegetarian

Set over two floors of a former pub, this colourfully decorated, family-run restaurant offers interesting, original Indian vegetarian cooking inspired by the owners' Gujarati heritage. After a warm welcome from the team, you can choose between set sharing menus, a full tasting experience or picking a few dishes from the extensive à la carte. Dishes such as the 'Chole' chickpea curry are substantial in both size and flavour and the spicing is well-judged. The bread selection stands out, with excellent naan and rotli.

Bavette

必比登££French

From baguettes to bavettes, there’s something so overtly French about this terrific neighbourhood bistro that it’s a wonder they don’t have the tricolore flag hanging outside. Its unlikely location in the Leeds suburb of Horsforth is a result of the relationship between Leeds native Sandy Jarvis and Frenchman Clément Cousin, who met while working in some of London’s top restaurants. Cousin runs the chatty service, while Jarvis is in the kitchen working on proudly Gallic classics – expect to spot delicious renditions of the likes of 'oeuf en meurette' and 'Paris Brest'.

The White Hart Of Harwell

££Traditional British

This 18C stone pub on the moor is a place that constantly evolves. It’s usually busy but the staff have everything under control and there are comfy bedrooms for those wishing to stay. Dining takes place in the cosy Tap Room or smart brasserie; the appealing menu has a British heart and global influences.

Sampa

£££Brazilian

In Manchester’s artsy Northern Quarter, Sampa is quite literally hidden away, with the exact address of this 12-seater chef’s counter only provided to guests 24 hours prior to dining, and a sign hung outside the door just 20 minutes before service. This sense of intrigue is fitting for an immersive experience where Chef Caroline Martins hosts her guests in a gregarious manner and treats them to a surprise menu of Brazilian cuisine. From the traditional ‘pão de queijo’ cheese bread to the showstopping ‘Dormouse’ dessert, these are fun, flavourful dishes packed with personality.

Winsome

££Traditional British

Manchester’s industrial history feels like it’s had an overt influence on this buzzing brasserie with a large kitchen counter and a stripped-back look. The cooking has an admirably gutsy, straightforward quality to it, with hints of nostalgia. Think cold cuts, whole fish, hearty homemade pies and a mixed grill. It’s all executed with skill and the ingredients are of obvious quality, resulting in no shortage of flavour. The young and enthusiastic service team are a perfect fit for such a fun place.

Pip

££british

Forming part of the Treehouse Hotel, Pip provides a calm oasis in the heart of the city. Like the hotel around it, the restaurant is decorated with a blend of repurposed materials and vintage pieces, with eye-catching pops of colour, wooden furnishings and a rustic touch. The kitchen is headed up Mary-Ellen McTague, a champion of the region who uses local produce and whose menu includes a satisfyingly rich and flavoursome take on the Lancashire hot pot. The service team are brimming with positivity and clearly love what they do.

10 Tib Lane

££Modern Cuisine

Stretching over three floors of a tall, narrow townhouse, you enter this welcoming restaurant via its cosy bar – ideal for a cocktail or a glass from their selection of European natural and low-intervention wines – before heading up to dining rooms decked out in rustic, semi-industrial chic. Order some oysters or cheese beignets while you choose from a menu that shows off influences from both Spain (Cantabrian anchovies on toast) and France (chocolate ganache). Throughout the cooking, the well-crafted dishes allow top-quality ingredients to shine.

Kallos Cafe & Wine Bar

££Greek

With its all-day dining, caring service and sumptuous flavours of the Mediterranean, this is the kind of neighbourhood operation you could quickly find yourself visiting week after week. Part of the city’s Greengate development, its offering starts with brunch, before morphing from a café vibe into a wine bar and restaurant. The evening meze menu is a treat for all fans of Greek cuisine, with the likes of topped flatbreads (the lamb shoulder option is terrific), a supremely comforting chickpea stew and a selection of high-end tinned fish.

Adam Reid at The French

££££french

The famous Midland Hotel hotel was first built to herald the arrival of the Midland Railway in Manchester, and its current restaurant has been created in the Belle Époque style to evoke the luxury of the day. Whilst its name remains in reference to its historical past, today, Chef Adam Reid's multi-course menu is more inspired by his northern roots than it is by France. The richly flavoured, occasionally playful, dishes come with cryptic, concise menu descriptions such as 'Fungi' and 'Fish', but the personable chefs are on hand to explain and finish off each course tableside .

Where The Light Gets In

£££Modern British

This large, loft-style restaurant is located on the top floor of a Victorian coffee warehouse and its open kitchen truly feels like part of the room. The set sharing menu is based on seasonal British produce and often incorporates foraged ingredients; this combines with a low-waste ethos that involves using a range of pickles and ferments. Walk-ins are available at the kitchen counter, where you can enjoy low-intervention wines and bar snacks. The same team run Yellowhammer, a bakery and pottery studio just around the corner, which provides both excellent sourdough and tableware for the restau

Stow

££Modern British

With its winning combo of cocktails and cooking over fire, Stow feels like a restaurant for our times. Start (and end) your visit with a drink in the front bar, before taking your seat at the counter in the tucked-away dining room. The small size gives it the feel of an intimate secret supper club, as you watch the chefs close-up, extracting maximum flavour from their ingredients. Prime cuts of meat, including ex-dairy beef, are a feature, but don’t miss the imaginative vegetable dishes too. Finish with the smoked cream tart, its gentile smokiness coming through in every mouthful.

Another Hand

££Modern Cuisine

This welcoming bistro is located on Deansgate Mews, an elevated 'street' that’s part of the redeveloped Great Northern building in the city centre. The menu comprises an appealing array of sharing plates which champion produce from local, ethical growers. The eye-catching, vegetarian-led dishes are served one at a time and their flavours are punchy and pronounced. Craft beers and low-intervention wines accompany, while the nearby Holy Grain bakers provides them with some exceptional sourdough bread. Service is bubbly and the atmosphere is buzzing.

The Pack Horse

££Modern British

Real ales and regular quiz nights help this traditional stone pub to remain a true village local, where you’ll find walkers and cyclists having a pint in the sunshine out front. The cooking has a similarly classic outlook, with hearty pub dishes executed with a refined touch. Look out for the top-quality meats in the lunchtime grill section or on weekly ‘Charcoal Nights’ – plus the Manchester Egg snack, which has become something of a signature. Characterful open fires mix with warm, contemporary décor, while the genuinely warm and friendly team offer effusive service.

Deacon's Bank

£££Modern British

A former bank has been lovingly and carefully restored to provide a home for this restaurant in the bustling Peak District town of Chapel-en-le-Frith. It’s now a laid-back, charmingly run place that the area can be proud of, serving ambitious dishes with a creative edge – such as a deconstructed version of a bouillabaisse. If you’re an indecisive diner, opt for the tasting menu; if you like things more relaxed, come at lunch for more pub-influenced dishes like fish pie and grilled pork chop. Two beautifully appointed apartments sit above the restaurant.

🕐 Mo,Tu Off; We 17:00+; Th-Sa 12:00+; Su 12:00+

Restaurant ÖRME

£££Modern British

You will find a pleasantly welcoming quality at this small restaurant run by three young owners. There’s a distinct Nordic touch to proceedings – think clean, simple décor and an on-view kitchen – yet British produce is at the heart of the appealing menus, which include tasting options, an à la carte and Sunday roasts. Attractively presented dishes offer bold, vibrant flavours with a mix of the classic and the modern in their influences. Wine flights are also available, including a particularly interesting British-themed option.

Shibden Mill Inn

££Modern British

Tucked away on the floor of a steep, wooded valley, this former corn mill is full of rustic character, with cluttered, low-beamed rooms, open fires and cosy snugs. Monthly changing menus offer hearty, flavoursome dishes made with Yorkshire produce. The young team are organised and welcoming – and boutique bedrooms add to the appeal.

The Spread Eagle by McLeod 9

££Modern Cuisine

After making a name for himself at various pop-ups and events, Chef Joe McLeod took over The Spread Eagle pub in this Lancashire village. While it retains its role as the village local, the cooking is now far removed from your usual pub cuisine. Choose between an à la carte or the popular monthly changing tasting menu, both of which showcase robust, colourful dishes with generosity in size and flavour. The homemade bread rolls topped with sticky lamb reduction are a real treat to start. The enthusiastic team offer the kind of charming service that stays in the memory.

The Blind Bull

££Modern Cuisine

Lucky Little Hucklow having a pub like this. The residents of this tiny village high up in the Peak District are fortunate to live near such a beautifully restored 12th-century inn. It's spread over two floors with an open kitchen upstairs and a rustic, cosy feel throughout. The concise menu moves with the seasons and incorporates international influences for some extra punch. If you want time to explore the nearby walking routes, book one of the lovely bedrooms in The Old Piggery, with the ground-floor rooms being dog-friendly.

LI~LY by Aiden Byrne

££££Modern British

This black-and-white timbered building is reputedly over 400 years old, but you wouldn’t know it from the smart, contemporary interior with a wonderfully bright feel. It’s the latest venture from experienced chef Aiden Byrne, who here offers his brand of detailed, eye-catchingly presented cooking via a tasting menu of technically adept dishes such as cured scallop with golden beetroot and white currant. Byrne delivers some of the dishes himself, at which point you will notice his infectious enthusiasm shining through.

White Bull

££Traditional Cuisine

This neighbourhood pub’s menus cover everything from bar nibbles to pub classics; they offer lunch, afternoon tea and dinner – and even serve breakfast on Sundays. The endearing team take care in everything they do, portions are generous, and dishes not only look good but taste good too. The traditional Lancashire cheese, onion and ale pie is a must-try.

La Popote

££Classic French

Tucked away in the Cheshire countryside, La Popote is one of several businesses occupying a centuries-old former farm, and the red-brick converted barn in which it's situated has retained a warm, rustic touch thanks to its brick floors and exposed beams. The owners spent several years working in Paris and this is evident with one scan of the menu, where you'll spot the likes of coq au vin, cassoulet and clafoutis. Classical techniques underpin the cooking, while there's a subtle modernity in the presentation. Service is friendly and assured.

Rafters Restaurant

££££Modern British

There's a characterful, rustic-chic vibe to this first-floor restaurant, courtesy of its exposed beams and brickwork. Real pride and enthusiasm is poured into both the cooking and the service, with a tasting menu composed of modern, richly flavoured dishes based on high-quality produce like Nordic halibut and Creedy Carver duck. A shorter set menu is served at certain times, while the 'Kitchen Bench' gives you a ringside seat in front of the pass. The wine list is usefully listed by styles and characteristics, enabling you to craft the perfect pairing.

Tom Lawson at the Psalter

£££Modern British

For his latest venture, experienced chef Tom Lawson has taken over the titular boutique hotel, and within it sits this welcoming restaurant. Bright, funky wallpaper adds a splash of colour to the room, while a large bureau is filled with Lawson’s own favourite cookery books. His set seasonal menu changes regularly but will likely include his version of cauliflower cheese that nods to his ‘Grandma B’. Elsewhere, look out for high-quality produce such as snow-white Cornish plaice with a terrific beurre blanc. Service comes from a friendly and confident team.

Fischer's Baslow Hall

£££Modern Cuisine

At the centre of impressive formal grounds sits this fine Edwardian manor house with charming bedrooms and a classic country house feel, which is now run by the second generation of the Fischer family. Diners are spread across two elegant rooms overseen by a formal service team, with the ‘Kitchen Bench’ experience available for those who really like to be part of the action. Local is key on the menu of classically based dishes, with Chatsworth Estate venison a must-order if you're here in game season.

Freemasons

£££Modern British

Tucked away down a narrow lane in the heart of the Ribble Valley, this delightful pub is as characterful inside as it is from the exterior. Cosy and welcoming, the whole place exudes a rustic charm thanks to an open fire and antique furnishings. The modern British dishes use the best of the local larder and deliver bold, well-judged flavours in adventurous, original creations like the 'Malteser' dessert. For the ultimate experience, book the "Chef's Bench", which consists of just four seats in the heart of the kitchen. Make a night of it and stay over in one of the bedrooms too.

The Gallery Restaurant

£££Modern British

Within the grounds of the Peak District’s renowned Chatsworth Estate sits The Cavendish Hotel – and within that is this elegant restaurant where oil paintings fill the walls and there’s a palpable sense of history in the air. Ingredients from the Estate – including juicy, full-flavoured beef – play a key role in the cooking, in dishes that avoid overcrowding the delicious natural flavours of the produce. The breads and desserts are particular highlights, providing excellent bookends to your meal.

Lovage

££££Modern British

In the heart of a historic market town, famed for its puddings and tarts, you'll find this cosy restaurant located inside a former stable block. That past occupation makes itself known in the wonderfully rustic décor with wood-panelled walls, exposed brickwork and beamed ceilings. The chatty, informative team are sure to put a smile on your face as they enthusiastically explain the modern dishes made up of quality local ingredients and featuring classic combinations like roasted beetroot with goat's cheese. The team also run a more casual coffee shop next door.

Forde

££Mediterranean Cuisine

Experienced chef Matt Healy – a onetime 'MasterChef: The Professionals' contestant – has come home to Horsforth to open this rustic bistro and wine bar. His appealing menu features appetising small plates with Mediterranean influences; two or three per person works well, and there are some well-chosen wines, craft beers and cocktails too.

Ox Club

£££Meats and Grills, Barbecue

Housed in a former mill, along with a beer hall and cocktail bar, this unpretentious restaurant attracts a young and lively crowd keen to sample its wood-fired cooking using a grill imported from the US. Utilising fire and smoke to enhance quality produce is the name of the game – with the 1kg côte de boeuf on hand if you're feeling flush – but the kitchen isn't afraid of adding in bold flavours too, as evidenced by the nduja with the oysters and the gochujang glaze on the crispy pig tails. Pleasingly, there's plenty of choice for vegetarians too.

The Three Fishes

£££British Contemporary

Chef Nigel Haworth has always been a strong ambassador for Lancashire produce – particularly from the Ribble Valley – and now has his own vegetable garden and polytunnel at this contemporary dining pub. The à la carte might include such unpretentious options as tempura scallops or flavoursome corn fed chicken; there's also a seasonal set menu available in 5 or 8 courses, bookended by cheese rolls and mini Eccles cakes – which have rightly become restaurant staples.

Eight at Gazegill by Doug Crampton

££Modern British

Tucked away in the Lancashire countryside, you’ll find this welcoming restaurant down a narrow single-track road. You pass through the family-run Gazegill Organics Farm on the way, which provides plenty of top-quality produce for the eponymous chef to work with. The restaurant building has a bright, modern and colourful style that contrasts the surroundings, along with views across the fields to Pendle hill. The wholesome yet refined cooking is the epitome of field-to-fork dining, with home-reared beef being a particular highlight and making the Sunday roast all the more appealing.

Box Tree

££££Modern British

This iconic Yorkshire restaurant was established back in 1962 and continues to draw in diners today. It’s set within two charming, 18th-century sandstone cottages, and has a plush, antique-furnished lounge and two luxurious dining rooms. The cooking these days comes in the form of a modern, creative tasting menu featuring dishes like their take on an 'arroz negro'. Service is formal and professional, while there's a choice between the 'Sommelier's' and 'Premium' wine flights to accompany the food.

The Peacock at Rowsley

£££Modern British

Occupying a prime corner site near the River Derwent, this foliage-clad former manor house is an inviting prospect as soon as you lay eyes on it. Inside, oak ‘Mousey Thompson’ furnishings and antique oil paintings are juxtaposed with modern lighting and contemporary art. The menus offer a broad spectrum, from light lunch bites like sandwiches, salads and ploughman’s, to a full dinner tasting menu with wine pairings – plus afternoon tea and Sunday roasts. Stay overnight in one of the antique-furnished bedrooms, then spend the next day exploring the Peak District.

Old Vicarage

£££Modern Cuisine

With a history dating back to 1846, this delightful stone-built former vicarage is situated in a semi-rural spot on the edge of the city. Two fixed-price menus – go for the 'Prestige' option if you want the full experience – offer ambitious, well-constructed dishes delivering assured flavours from high-quality ingredients. Roe deer from the Balmoral estate is a great example, providing a wonderful gamey flavour and cooked to a perfect tenderness. The grand-looking house is surrounded by mature grounds that are worth exploring.

The Rum Fox

££Traditional British

Situated in a tiny village in the Ribble Valley, this impressively refurbished pub is certainly at the smarter end of village locals. The cosy bar is perfect for just a drink, while the orangery-style dining room at the rear is bright and airy. The cooking stays true to the site’s traditional pubby roots, however, with no fripperies on show in full-flavoured dishes like Lancashire cheese soufflé or treacle-glazed pig’s cheeks – instead the focus is on well-sourced produce and textbook execution. The set three-course menu is where you’ll find the best value for money.

The Bulls Head

£££Modern British

The full car park of this village inn says it all. It's gained a strong following thanks to being gastronomically adventurous and having a passionate team who make a real effort to welcome their guests; the custom menu with your name on is a particularly nice touch. The kitchen shows great ambition within the pub surroundings, with tasting menus available alongside the à la carte. Desserts are a particular highlight, including the immaculately risen soufflés that are a must-order if you get the chance. Well-appointed bedrooms complete the appealing overall package.

The Flintlock

£££Modern Cuisine

Set inside a fine stone building overlooking a peaceful canal, this spacious, elegant restaurant is packed with charm. There are period features aplenty across the sitting area and the two dining rooms, where the self-taught chef serves dishes with a modern approach. Hake with fermented lettuce is something of a favourite, as are the fabulous Parker House roles, and puddings are a highlight too. Sweet, engaging service makes a visit all the more enjoyable, as does a stroll along the canal before dining.

Aven Restaurant

£££Modern British

On the ground floor of the Winckley Stays Hotel, you’ll find this sweet restaurant where an open fire greets you on arrival in the colder months. There’s a cosy feel to the room, which is minimally decorated but enlivened by some bright artwork on the walls. The cooking takes the form of a seasonal tasting menu, with dishes like duck leg suet pudding delivering intense flavours. Friendly, efficient service enhances the experience, as does the choice between two wine flights and even a beer pairing.

Next Door

£££British Contemporary

A family business has been run on this 17th-century premises for three generations. For many years it was a butcher's shop, the current incarnation of which now sits two doors down, and today Sommelier Vicki has taken on the mantle to run it as this sweet restaurant with her husband Richard. His dishes are founded on excellent quality ingredients, from both specialist suppliers and their own butcher's – like supremely flavoursome Welsh Black beef. Low-ceilinged rooms and exposed beams add to the charm.

Stones Restaurant

£££Modern British

Negotiate the steep steps down to this small riverside restaurant and you’ll be rewarded with a warm, welcoming atmosphere courtesy of your fellow contented diners and the lovely team. The well-kept front room features floor-to-ceiling windows, while the delightful rear terrace is in prime position for views of the River Derwent. The cooking doesn’t reinvent the wheel but nor does it need to – instead, the chefs confidently execute classic combinations of high-quality ingredients, resulting in satisfyingly flavoursome dishes.

Ye Horns Inn

££Modern British

There’s a snug bar, a comfy lounge and a stylish vaulted dining space with an inglenook fireplace at this lovingly restored pub, parts of which date back to the 17C. They keep the menu short and seasonal, offering eye-catching, modern, ingredient-led dishes alongside local ales and an extensive list of sensibly priced wines. Personable service completes the picture.