Chef’s guide to the Ribble Valley
Where to eat and drink in the Lancashire borough
The Ribble Valley is a hidden gem, only two hours from London by rail, it borders foodie counties Yorkshire and Cumbria, there’s beautiful countryside for wintry walks and plenty of comfort food. My three favourite dishes on the menu at the Northcote are firstly, the signature bramley apple ‘pie’ – this dessert is not what the diner expects; the elegant white chocolate globe is dusted with gold caramelised pastry and warm apple pie custard is poured over to reveal luxurious apple jelly, fresh apple, apple sorbet, milk & cream crisps, apple pie purée and old English cream. Secondly, the Cumbrian mutton with mutton sausage, carrot & Seville orange – mutton is fantastic in the winter months and marrying it with orange and carrot works so well; lastly the coconut, lime & chocolate dessert – it’s just three simple flavours, but they pack a punch! My recommendations for places to eat in the area are for breakfast, Breda Murphy in Whalley (bredamurphy.co.uk), a modern British and Irish restaurant serving dishes like chestnut mushroom & cheddar cheese rarebit. For lunch in beautiful surroundings, it has to be The Inn at Whitewell (innatwhitewell.com) situated in the Forest of Bowland. It’s a relaxed setting with log fires serving tasty, unfussy food like Farnsworth’s Cumberland bangers & champ. Finally, the tiny village of Wiswell for dinner at the Freemasons Arms (freemasonsatwiswell.com). Chefproprieter Steven Smith is hugely talented and his modern take on a gastropub serves dishes like steak and ale pie, elevated with his unique cooking style. For top-quality produce, I go to Roy Porter’s butchers in Chatburn village (01220 441392) to pick up traditionally matured organic meat. Byrne’s Wine Shop in Clitheroe (dbyrne-finewines.co.uk) is a must for wine lovers – the cellars go on forever, and it has fabulous wines, beers and spirits from all over the world. For sweet treats, I go to Loulou’s in Billington (01254 823275). They do pretty macaroons, cakes and big chocolate brownies. northcote.com @chef_lisa_allen