The Three Fishes

You know what you get with a Ribble Valley Inn - a genuine pub experience (proper beer, unpretentious vibe), a serious approach to food and wine (lots of regional dishes based on excellent local produce), and attention to detail from top to bottom, which is what comes of being run by the team behind Northcote (see entry, Langho). The 400-year-old pub is in a splendid spot on a limestone rise above the Ribble, and looks the part with its roughcast stone walls, slate floors and wooden tables. Food orders are placed at the bar, and there's a tantalising choice: how about treacle-baked free-range saddleback pork ribs with devilled black peas to start? Or Morecambe Bay shrimps served on a muffin? Follow up with Forest of Bowland venison and pearl barley pudding with forager's mash potato, roast onions and juniper berry sauce, and award-winning Lancashire cheeses or Bramley apple crumble to finish.