The Three Fishes

For more than four centuries travellers in the short stretch of road between the Ribble bridge at Mitton and the 16th-century bridge over its tributary, the Hodder, have been stopping here for a swift half. With Pendle Hill forming one horizon, Longridge Fell another, this is the landscape that inspired parts of JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. By the log fire in the contemporary, rambling interior try a 'beer bat', a wooden paddle holding three glasses, each a third of a pint, for sampling real ales from brewery partner Thwaites of Blackburn and the monthly guest. The menus are inspired by Nigel Haworth, chef/patron of Northcote, his renowned restaurant in nearby Langho, which like this pub is an associate company of Ribble Valley Inns. With an AA Rosette for inventiveness and presentation, the restaurant relies extensively on trusted regional suppliers whose portraits adorn the walls. Try Bury black pudding or game terrine with Gott's streaky bacon as a starter, followed by a main course of fish pie, Lancashire hotpot, a chargrill or an English tossed salad. Afternoon bites served from 2pm include platter of the day, ploughman's and sandwiches. A six-variety Lancashire cheeseboard served with butter, homemade bread, biscuits, celery and chutney should go down well with caseophiles (that is, cheese lovers). Southerners might raise an eyebrow at the Three Fishes' assertion that the Sunday roast was invented and perfected in the north of England, but it's probably best not to rise to the bait and simply enjoy dining on rib-eye of local beef; corn-fed chicken; Gloucester Old Spot pork loin; or organic shoulder of lamb. Those wishing to stay are recommended to consider Northcote, only ten minutes' away.