The Inn at Whitewell

The Inn at Whitewell is a stunning country hotel overlooking the river Hodder a few miles outside Clitheroe. It's frequently featured in the national press as being a fantastic place to stay, but being local, we're far more interested in it's worth as a pub.Happily, it doesn't disappoint, though a little of the character was lost due to recent refurbishments that increased the size of the bar area. Previously, it was almost impossible to find a table if you arrived a few minutes past 12, but now there is abundant space.

The Inn at Whitewell is where the 'smart set' go, but we've frequently turned up with muddy boots. Wear your country casuals and you'll fit in, though many tend to dress up for the occasion.
It certainly is a fine place for people watching.

The beer is always good and they have an interesting selection of bottled ciders and lagers (rather expensive). They frequently have Skipton's Copper Dragon on tap. I asked for a pint and was told it was the second best thing to come out of Yorkshire. "What's the first?" I asked. "The A59" was the reply. Food is also excellent, and locally sourced. In my eyes it beats the much-lauded 'Three Fishes' hands down for local food.

It's worth wandering out the back just to take in the view of the Hodder. It's got to have one of the finest views of any pub in the UK, but they don't seem to make the most of it. A few tables and chairs recently arrived, but there's not even a handle on the outside door to get back in again! One other minor gripe is that when a wedding is on (frequently), the music from the marquee tends to drift far and wide. And watch out, they stop serving food at 2:00pm on a Sunday.

This is our favourite pub for a bit of a treat, when we are dressed a little smarter than usual!