The Three Fishes – A Ribble Valley Inn

Best College Date Ideas In Clitheroe For Students Looking To Hookup

May 23, 2022July 21, 2023

Are you a college student looking for date ideas on a meet and fuck site in Clitheroe that will surely lead to a hookup? We’ve got the best date ideas in this article, and if you check out some college sex stories then you can see what you have to look forward to. From restaurants and bars to night clubs and events, there’s no way we can miss any of the hottest date spots in Clitheroe. So don’t delay. Start planning your date now!

The Three Fishes Inn – An Ideal Place for First Dates

The Three Fishes Inn is one of the most popular pubs in the area. This place was even featured on the BBC show “Restaurant: Impossible.” It is a quaint restaurant which offers delicious home-cooked meals. They also have an extensive wine list with some great vintages from all over the world. If you are going for dinner here, do not forget to order their famous fish and chips. They also offer a wide selection of beers from local breweries.

If you’re looking for first dates in Clitheroe, The Three Fishes is certainly the place to go.

Clitheroe Night Clubs & Bars

If you want to spend the night in Clitheroe, there are many options available for you. There are some amazing places to party at night. The best thing about them is that they’re all within walking distance of each other. So you can just walk around town until you find the perfect bar or club that suits your mood.

Take A Walk Around Clitheroe

Clitheroe is a small town. So it won’t take much time for you to discover the city. You could start by taking a stroll through its main street. Then visit the historic buildings. Some of them were built in the 17th century. The town has two market days every week. The first one happens on Tuesdays and the second on Fridays. So if you plan your date in Clitheroe during these days, you will get a chance to see the best marketplaces in town.

Go For A Hike In Clitheroe Woods

When you take a walk in the woods, you will be able to spot animals and plants that are usually hard to see in the city. There is a hiking trail inside Clitheroe Woods. It takes you through different paths, including the Blackburn Valley Way, a footpath used for centuries by locals and travelers who wanted to explore the countryside. You can enjoy a relaxing hike in this beautiful woodland and then enjoy a romantic dinner in a nice restaurant.

Clitheroe Museums & Attractions

Clitheroe has several museums that are well worth checking out. There is the Clitheroe Castle Museum, which features various exhibits on the history of the castle. There is the Old Stables Gallery, where you will find a collection of paintings of the life of the town’s past. And there is the Old Police Station Museum, which tells the story of how the police in the town operated before it became a civil parish in 1854.

Clitheroe Events

Clitheroe hosts some amazing events. One of the biggest is the Ribble Valley Festival, a five-day event held in August. It includes a funfair, live music, theater performances and lots of other activities. If you are in Clitheroe on the day of the festival, do not miss the parade, which features bands and floats. And if you’re lucky enough to stay longer than a day, there are also fireworks displays on Saturday evenings.
If you’re looking for a place to go on a date in Clitheroe, the Ribble Valley Festival should definitely be on the top of your list.

Final Thoughts On Dating In Clitheroe

As you can see, Clitheroe is an amazing place for a first date. There are a lot of things to do and see. We hope you enjoyed our list of dating ideas in Clitheroe. We’ll be happy to hear your feedback. If you know of another interesting place for first dates in Clitheroe, feel free to leave a comment below.
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What to do Near Clitheroe – Don’t Miss These Exciting Things

December 21, 2021December 21, 2021

A wonderful place for both day trips and short breaks, Clitheroe is ideally situated for visitors of all ages. With so many activities on offer, there’s no reason not to go out in the community!

Go shopping at Blackburn Market

Located just ten minutes away from the center of Clitheroe by car, this open-air market is a hub of activity on Sundays. Everyone from local producers to international exporters come to sell their wares, with something for everyone.

Go mountain biking at Beacon Fell

Only twenty minutes’ drive out of Clitheroe, Beacon Fell is an ideal location for cycling and walking trails. Whether you’re looking for a gentle cycle around the woodland or a more challenging route up to Beacon Fell’s summit, this is the perfect location.

Go shopping at The White Cloth Hall

For over 300 years, the White Cloth Hall has been selling high-quality Lancashire cotton textiles. Now a museum, visitors can pay a small fee to experience what it was like to buy and sell these goods in the building’s original setting.

Take a walk along Rivington Pike

Located on top of a hill 25 minutes’ drive from Clitheroe, this is the perfect location to go for fabulous views over Lancashire. Visitors can walk along footpaths and see houses situated absolutely miles below them.

Visit the Ribble Valley Brewing Company

Brewing its own beer on the premises, this is a great place to go for a tour, some samples, and a chat with the brewers about their trade. With regular beer festivals held here, there’s always something new to try.

Explore Clitheroe Castle

This Norman motte and bailey castle is a great place for kids (and adults!) to explore. With a number of different areas to investigate, as well as activities such as falconry displays, this is definitely worth a visit.

Visit Clitheroe and Have Fun!

There’s always something going on in Clitheroe – so why not come and see what all the fuss is about? You won’t be disappointed!
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Check Out The Clitheroe Food Festival

December 21, 2021December 21, 2021

The Clitheroe Food Festival is a celebration of all things food and drink! The three-day event showcases the best in regional produce and also includes live music and children’s entertainment. This festival is held across the entire town centre, making it easy for visitors to come and enjoy all that it has to offer.

The Clitheroe Food Festival is now in its sixth year, and it promises to be the best yet. So make sure you don’t miss out on all of the fun! So if you’re looking for a fun-filled weekend with lots of delicious food, the Clitheroe Food Festival is the event for you!

The Three Fishes Pub

One of the highlights of the festival is The Three Fishes Pub. This charming pub is well known for its great food and drinks, and it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy some quality time with friends and family. Their menu is absolutely packed full of delicious dishes, including fish and chips, sausage and mash, toad in the hole…the list goes on!

Festival Highlights

In addition to The Three Fishes Pub, the Clitheroe Food Festival has plenty of other highlights to offer. There’s a farmers’ market where you can buy fresh produce directly from the growers, as well as food stalls selling a variety of tasty treats. And if you’re looking for something to drink, there’s an array of ales, wines, ciders and more!

Live Music

The festival also includes a programme of live music, so you can enjoy some toe-tapping tunes while you eat. And if that’s not enough, there’s also children’s entertainment to keep the little ones amused. So make sure you put the Clitheroe Food Festival in your calendar! It’s guaranteed to be a fun-filled weekend for the whole family.

Getting There

The Clitheroe Food Festival is easy to get to, with plenty of parking available in the town centre. The nearest train station is Clitheroe, and there are also buses running from Blackburn, Burnley and Manchester. So whatever your mode of transport, getting to the Clitheroe Food Festival is easy!

When & Where

This festival takes place across the town centre, so there’s plenty of room for everyone. It runs from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th November, and it’s a great opportunity to explore everything Clitheroe has to offer. So make sure you mark the dates in your calendar and come and join in all the fun!
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Best Places For Camping In Ribble Valley

December 21, 2021December 21, 2021

Camping is a fun and affordable way to get out of the city for a few days, but it can be difficult finding a quality camping spot that also has great amenities. Luckily, there are many places in the Ribble Valley that offer exactly what you’re looking for. Here are some of them:

1. Gisburn Forest

This beautiful forest is the perfect place for a peaceful camping trip. There are plenty of walking trails to explore, and you can even go mountain biking or horse riding if you’re feeling adventurous. You’ll also find several different outdoor activities to partake in, such as canoeing, kayaking and fishing.

In the evenings you can sit around a campfire, roast marshmallows and tell stories before falling asleep under the twinkling stars.

2. Beacon Fell Country Park

This stunning park has plenty of space for camping or choosing a spot for a picnic. There’s also a play area for the kids, as well as a nature trail that takes you on a journey through the park’s woodland and meadows.

3. Inglewhite Camping and Caravanning Club Site

This campsite is perfect for those who love to get out and explore. It’s located just a short walk from the village of Inglewhite, which means you have easy access to pubs, shops and other amenities. The campsite has pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as a heated shower block and toilets.

4. Gisburn

This small town is located in the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which is the perfect place for a camping trip. There are several options for caravans and camping in Gisburn, all close to the town centre and its amenities.

5. Langho

Langho has several campsites and caravan parks that offer different facilities and stays, including the choice to camp in a tent or rent a caravan. It’s close to Blackburn, so if you’re looking for somewhere to stay while visiting family and friends this is an ideal option.

6. Whalley

Whalley is a small town that’s located in the Ribble Valley and offers a great base for exploring this beautiful area. There are several campsites located here, as well as pubs, restaurants and other amenities. You’ll also find plenty of walks and cycle routes to enjoy in the surrounding countryside.

7. Sawley

This small town is located on the banks of the River Ribble and makes a great base for exploring the area. There are several campsites located here, as well as pubs, restaurants and other amenities. You can also hire canoes and kayaks to explore the river.

8. Clitheroe

Clitheroe is a large town located in the Ribble Valley and offers plenty of options for camping and caravanning. There are several campsites located here, as well as pubs, restaurants and other amenities. You can also hire canoes and kayaks to explore the river.

9. Gisburn Forest Centre

This campsite is perfect for those who love to get out and explore. It’s located just a short walk from the forest, which means you have easy access to pubs, shops and other amenities. The campsite has pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as a heated shower block and toilets.

Have fun camping in Ribble Valley!

There are plenty of fantastic camp spots in Ribble Valley, and hopefully this blog has given you some inspiration for your next camping trip!
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10 Hotels With Unforgettable Spas for Singles looking to Hookup

February 25, 2021December 21, 2021

The spa at the hotel is a huge hit with guests. There’s nothing quite like the soothing effects of a luxurious spa service to revive the body and mind. And if you’re looking to hookup on a dating app or meet and fuck a random at a hotel, the spa is an absolute must before you get down and dirty. And if you’re looking for the best spa hotels for your next getaway, then you’re in luck. Here are 10 of my favorite places to pamper yourself, from relaxing spas to luxurious hotels.

La Résidence Le Dauphine

For over 200 years, Le Dauphine has welcomed guests from all over the world. Located in the heart of the Côte d’Azur, this elegant hotel’s spa and residences are the jewel of the building. The palm-shaded terrace is the perfect place to relax with an aperitif, or enjoy the pools with a glass of wine. Or try one of the six different treatment rooms to discover the difference between the oils and minerals used in each one. Osho: The New Heart of India Set in the exotic mountain landscape, Osho: The New Heart of India offers guests the opportunity to unwind and reconnect to their true selves. Since 1990, Osho International Meditation Resort has offered a way of life for spiritual seekers, and guests are drawn to the serenity of the surrounding mountains.

Le Meridien St. James

A 24,000-square-foot spa and wellness facility, the contemporary spa at Le Meridien St. James offers seven unique themed treatment rooms, an infrared sauna, and two lounge areas. Among the most popular treatments are the Royal Tower Facial and the “Carpe Diem” package. Shibani Dandekar Spa The 31,000-square-foot, 23-room spa at the Shreyas in Mumbai has exquisite baths, fountains, and waterfall showers. Spa Darsani has a variety of beauty treatments to help relieve stress, including an “Intense Therapy” facial, and a “Sweat Fusion” yoga session. The Spa at La Mer After an extensive renovation, The Spa at La Mer in New York City reopened in December, and offers a world-class, dry, and hand-crafted steam room, two private salt rooms, and a barre class.

The Ritz-Carlton, Paris

The Ritz-Carlton, Paris might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about the most luxurious spa hotels in the world. But the sprawling spa at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel is a top contender. The Ritz-Carlton Paris is the epicenter of its own world of indulgence and style. Each room of the hotel feels like a high-end apartment with high-end furnishing and exquisite artwork. The service at the spa is also a top draw, thanks to an extensive list of facilities, including a sauna, steam rooms, cold plunge, and of course, the therapeutic waters of the thermal pool. The Langham Place The Langham Place in Singapore is among the most opulent hotels in the world.

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, is located at Conrad Centennial Singapore in Sentosa. It has more than 50 treatment rooms and is one of the few places where you can experience the Temple Spa Collection. In addition to the five traditional varieties of massages, the hotel has a range of other services. One of my favorites is the 1 hour massage, where the therapist uses the right technique to release the body’s tight areas. Travelers can relax in the 60sq ft Thermal Suite with its two private whirlpools. There is also an 18sq ft solarium with a stone floor. You can also take a plunge into the pool if it’s really cold. The spa at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, is one of the best in Singapore and one of the best in Southeast Asia.

The Peninsula, Hong Kong

The Peninsula is an iconic property in Hong Kong. After the handover in 1997, it was one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. After 20 years, the Peninsula is still considered one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. The spa is a huge hit with guests – it features one of the biggest day spas in the city. Saunas, steam rooms, beauty rooms and massage rooms are all part of the spa facilities. The skin experts in the spa are a part of the Peninsula Spa Academy. This means the staff is trained in a comprehensive menu of treatments that target specific skin concerns. At the spa, guests can even get a full body massage from one of the most experienced therapists on the peninsula. The Peninsula is located at 2 Parade Road, Central, Hong Kong.

The British Embassy Hotel, Beijing

Located in the center of Beijing’s diplomatic district, this elegant property offers luxury in its every aspect. With the help of two Michelin-starred chef Nick Daros, the hotel’s restaurants continue to impress with a jaw-dropping array of delicacies. Guests can also enjoy top-quality tennis at the hotel’s swimming pool, as well as shopping opportunities in the boutique below. The Spa at The British Embassy Hotel is a popular destination with guests who want to escape the city and soak up the natural, healing mineral water of the hotel’s gorgeous surrounds. Within this iconic hotel, you’ll find the state-of-the-art Relaxa, with a rooftop pool and panoramic views. Or take a relaxing dip in the adjoining La Serenata hot tub, a tranquil oasis bathed in light and surrounded by vines.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

Enjoy a luxurious pool and lounge at this Ritz-Carlton property located in the heart of Ginza in Tokyo. There’s plenty to do here, such as a stylish spa. The Hibiki Spa is the first Hibiki Collection Spa and is the epitome of Japan’s leading luxury brand. The spa was established in 1924 and is located in a ryokan-style hotel with a separate ryokan-style Japanese restaurant and a tatami-mat room for you to soak in the experience. On the second floor, try out the Halcyon Heavenly Bath. The service and comfort here is renowned for its innovative signature fusion of ancient Japanese baths, using juniper oil from Mount Fuji. The bath’s appeal is its unique, floating setting, designed in the spirit of a Zen garden.

Hotel Kasturi, Kochi

One of the oldest hotels in India, Hotel Kasturi is just a short walk from Fort Kochi, Kerala’s most happening hub for culture, art and beaches. The hotel’s large grounds feature a pool, a gym, and a yoga room. For those who like to swim, the hotel’s indoor pool is both air-conditioned and heated. And if you’re a guest at the hotel, there’s a kids club on site. The spa, with its traditional Kerala design and huge shower, is a large addition to the hotel. The hotel’s location is also ideal for the many street parties that take place here each day. Luxury Sunset Resort, Similan Islands Long regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand, the Similan Islands offer an ideal getaway for a stylish getaway.

The Peninsula, Bangkok

Located in Bangkok’s bustling Khao San Road neighborhood, The Peninsula is a top-of-the-line, five-star property. The luxurious boutique hotel opened its doors in 1997, with a South Asian-themed design to add to the mix. Nestled along the Chao Praya River, the 1,700-room property has been recognized as the top hotel in Bangkok by Forbes. However, if you’re looking for a more low-key hotel that will focus on Thai culture and architecture, don’t let the name fool you – the Peninsula is located across the street from Sukhumvit Soi 23, where it has a unique relationship with street markets and rooftop bars. Ritz Carlton, Philadelphia A stay at The Ritz Carlton is sure to be the perfect respite from your hectic daily life.

The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Located on the 50th floor of the Hotel’s iconic tower, guests can enjoy the impressive views of Hong Kong’s famed Victoria Harbor. But it’s the Mandarin Spa that takes center stage here. The 25-meter sauna is well worth a visit. Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza A post shared by Unsplash (@unsplash) on Jun 27, 2018 at 8:23pm PDT A modern, striking tower built on a historic colonial site, this hotel’s top floor rooms have views of the Singapore River and the bustling Marina Bay Sands casino and hotel, and the CBD and Central Business District. The 33-treatment studio suite is always booked up. Just make sure to reserve ahead of time.
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Winner of the 2005 Caterer & Hotelkeeper Award

July 3, 2020July 18, 2020

A glitzy ceremony held at The Grosvenor House Hotel, London was attended by 890 luminaries from the hospitality industry on Tuesday evening 5^th July, where The Three Fishes at Mitton was awarded the prestigious award by the Caterer & Hotelkeeper of “Pub & Bar Operator of the Year 2005”

The Catey winners represent the best of the best of all hospitality in the UK, by recognizing professionals dedicated to raising and maintaining standards consistently who will give the industry as a whole, a benchmark against which they can assess their own achievements. These awards are nominated by peers and customers and are recognized as one of the highest accolades to receive in the catering and hospitality industry.

Craig Bancroft and Nigel Haworth of Northcote Manor are delighted to receive this award “We are thrilled to have won a Catey for the new pub venture at The Three Fishes, this award is voted by our peers and customers, who endorse our belief and the real need for honest British food and hospitality, with informal relaxed dining, championing regional produce, is a winner and a food delivery we should all enjoy in all regions throughout the UK .”

“We are extremely proud of our teams throughout the Northcote group of companies, but particular praise goes to Andy Morris, General Manager, David Edward, Head Chef and the team at the Three Fishes for their hard work and dedication to deliver the ethos which we have developed to such a success, and lets face it – we’ve not even reached our first birthday yet, it’s a great achievement for the staff!”

The Three Fishes opened its doors in September 2004, this is the first venture into the pub market for Ribble Valley Inns, Bancroft and Haworth are looking to develop this concept in other regions of the North West. The building built over 400 years ago has always been an Inn and has been carefully restored with a 21^st century feel, embracing the values of a traditional English Pub ~ Real Beer! Real Food! Real People!

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RECOMMENDED PLACES TO STAY

June 25, 2020February 17, 2021

If you are visiting The Three Fishes and would like to stay in the area, you will find The Ribble Valley offers a wide selection of accommodation to enjoy further the spectacular areas of contrast which are full of mystery, legends. stunning countryside and natural habitats.

Northcote Restaurant with Rooms, a sister company to The Three Fishes, and again famous for its hospitality and Michelin star restaurant is only 10 minutes from the pub and offers fourteen bedrooms. You will find more information of Northcote on:
www.northcote.com

We have also listed below a selection of quality bed and breakfasts along with country cottages to rent for self catering.

All these properties are recommended by Ribble Valley Tourist Board and inspected by either VisitBritain, AA or RAC. These are all great places to take your date from LoveHabibi or other popular dating apps.

Holiday Cottages

Holiday Cottages offer a large selection of quality cottages throughout Lancashire. Located in pretty villages, historical towns or in the middle of beautiful countryside.
Tel: 01756 700510
www.holidaycotts.co.uk

Alden Cottage
Peter & Brenda Carpenter,
Kemple End,
Birdy Brow,
Stonyhurst,
BB7 9QY
Tel 01254 826468
E-mail carpenter@aldencottage.f9.co.uk
Website www.aldencottage.co.ukAward Winning Bed & Breakfast & Self Catering accommodation in an idyllic 17th century country cottage situated 2 – 3 miles from the Three Fishes, 4 miles west of Clitheroe in Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.VisitBritain Gold Award 4 Star Bed & Breakfast accommodation with fresh flowers in all rooms, bathrobes, Jacuzzi® or Biojet™ whirlpool bath and shower plus private guest sitting room . Alternatively, relax in our romantic and cosy Gold Award 4 Star Self-Catering cottage which sleeps 2. Bathroom with whirlpool bath and power shower, beamed sitting room with woodburner, kitchen. Ribble Valley Civic Design & Conservation Award Winner. Alden Cottage is the perfect place for a peaceful and relaxing stay in beautiful surroundings.Bed & Breakfast from £70 – £75 per night for double or twin, £44 – £48 single occupancy.Self Catering short breaks from £199.50 for 2 persons for 3 nights, or from £285 per week.

A photo of Chapel Cottage Chapel Cottage
Mrs Carole Baldwin,
Clitheroe Rd,
Bashall Eaves,
Clitheroe
BB7 3DA
Tel: 01254 826084
E-mail carolebaldwin@msn.com
Website www.chapelcottagebandb.co.uk

A warm welcome awaits you at this Ribble Valley home. Ideally situated in the charming hamlet of Bashall Eaves. Excellent for walking/cycling. Ideal for holidays or business.

En-suite available. Rooms equipped with tea/coffee making facilities and colour TV. Bed & breakfast from £25.00 per person per night.

A photo of Hunter's-rest Hunter’s Rest
Mary Kay,
Greengore Farm,
Hurst Green,
Clitheroe
BB7 9QT
Tel: 01254 826304
E-mail thekays@greengore.fsbusiness.co.uk

Once a cook’s cottage when 15th century Farmhouse was a Hunting Lodge. Now grade II listed.

With original features providing a peaceful retreat with lovely views. Equipped to a high standard, electric heating, and woodburner. Sleeps 2 in double bedroom. Ideal walking, cycling and touring. Self catering prices £163 – £234 per week.

A Photo of The Coach House
The Coach House,
Clough Bottom,
Bashall Eaves,
Clitheroe
BB7 3NA
Tel: 08700 781200
www.cloughbottom.co.uk

A converted coach house retaining much of its original coach house. Situated on a working organic farm with its own private drive adjoining the farmhouse orchard, sleeping 4.

The coach house has its own outdoor seating area. Open living accommodation. 1 double and 1 twin. Prices from £230 – £475 per week. Also available Saddle barn & woodcutters Cottage.

A Photo of The Petre Lodge Country Hotel
The Petre Lodge Country Hotel,
Northcote Rd,
Langho,
BB6 8BG
Tel: 01254 244024
www.petrelodge.co.uk

A small privately owned country hotel on the edge of the Ribble Valley . This former village primary school has been tastefully renovated and furnishes. Ample car parking. Spacious bedrooms and extra large family rooms all with private facilities.

Prices from £55 double occupancy.

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Dining Pub of the Year Award

June 20, 2020July 18, 2020

“Contemporary and stylish pub, tremendous attention to detail, excellent regional food given a modern touch and interesting drinks.”
Fiona Stapley, Editor of The Good Food Guide

The team at the The Three Fishes is delighted to have won such a hotly contested accolade. Thank you to all our loyal customers who have reported such positive feedback to the Good Pub Guide, without this support we would not have achieved this award!
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New Head Chef at The Three Fishes

June 8, 2020July 18, 2020

The Three Fishes new head chef, Ian Moss, is only 28 but he brings a first-class CV to our kitchen. He was promoted to head chef at the Three Fishes in June having held the position of sous chef at Northcote. It was here that Ian got to understand Nigel Haworth’s philosophy on food, seasonality and the suppliers, who he continues to work with at the Fishes. Previous positions held by Ian were primarily in london at the likes of the Michelin-starred Ledbury and the Harwood Arms. But it’s Nigel who has given him his first head chef position – and he can’t wait to make his mark!

Quality, regional producers remain at the heart of his food but when you add in Ian’s wealth of experience, the result is a new menu of proper food with a hint of refinement. “What I have done is taken everything I have learnt through the years and I’ve put it into this menu,” he says. “The Food is nicely refined but not over-complicated. I try to use three or four things that have really good flavours that work harmoniously together. I like big flavours that speak for themselves.”

The result is a menu that includes moreish pig’s head croquettes with a smooth tarragon mustard and home-made port pies served with just-cut herbs and Three Fishes piccalilli. Earthy and chunky, rustic gourmet food like this reflects the bounty of the surrounding countryside.

Fish is another key element on Ian’s menu that features fried cod loin served with Lancashire’s finest new potatoes, local cucumber tartar and sea purslane.

The ingredients always do the talking in Ian’s cooking, so pop in to sample his simple yet elegant cooking!

Take a look at The Three Fishes Menu that Ian has created.
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Manchester Evening News April 8th 2005, On a higher scale

May 27, 2020July 18, 2020

The three Fishes has come on a lot since those crisps and soda days.

A bag of crisps, with a blue twist of salt, and a sickly cream soda. The windows of the Austin Mayflower as steamed up as my national health specs. Not that rubbing a viewing hole did any good. All the soggy fields between the pub car park and Pendle Hill were wreathed in the same damp mist. Parents would be back soon, though, and we could chug home in time for Sing Something Simple on the Light Programme.

That was the sixties childhood that was. My last visit to The Three fishes. Hostelries in those days were as welcoming as the workhouse to youngsters. What a contrast on a bright March day in another century.

Across the pub from us, Zoe and Ben and some other young dude in a qGap baseball cap were tucking into corn fed Goosnargh chicken and debating the merits of Lyth Valley damson jelly and whipped custard over homemade vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce. Their mums were discussing Jamie Oliver.

The Fishes has undergone a remarkable transformation since taken over Nigel Haworth and the team from the nearby Michelin-starred Northcote Manor. It has become a sort of Lancashire food gastropub theme park. It is not the sort of pub you’d turn up to a cosy ale, though Thwaites, Moorhouse and Bowland Brewery provide plenty of hand- pumped choice.

This is a place for serious, casual eating with a nod to all the tireless, dedicated regional producers (listed with a map on the back of the menu, no less). That is its strength and its weakness, of which more anon.

Physically, it is daunting. It is avast, flat, airy dining space, serving 130 covers, with plenty of room between tables; stone arches and discreet partitions attempt to break up the four-squareness in vain. We had traipsed to the far end, by the open-plan log fire, then found, to order, we had to march back to the distant bar with our table number.

When I say ‘We’ I mean I. Set Aggie Grimshaw next to a fire and there‘s no budging her. I had enlisted her help in evaluating the Lancshireness of the experience.

A weaving shed veteran, who knows her warp from her weft, steeped in a heritage that encompasses Sabden Treacle Mines and Witch Trials at the drop of a pointy hat, she was meant to be by benchmark.

What a rebuff, then – the first of many – when she spurned my offer of a sarsaparilla aperitif with a “Surely they’ve got pinot grigio?”

All around us, exposed brick walls, hung the icons of good, traditionally-produced food worshipped by the proprietors. Cheese producers, shrimpers, suckling pig rearers, all caught in photographic aspic. Above our heads the legendary Reg Johnson learned over a barn door as hundreds of his Goosnargh ducks strutted their stuff for the camera.

“Its like being in a church,” said Aggie. ”Only it smells better.”

Strangely, it reminded me of those democratic Californian eateries, formulaic but down-home wholesome, though, unlike them, the Three Fishes is light on vegetarian options.

I tried to persuade Aggie to test one of these – Buttered Crumpet, Bob’s Organic day Old Lancashire Curd, Cress and Ascroft’s Beetroot Salad, but she was having none of it, plumping for Three Fishes soup, Wicked Mayonnaise, Aged Butler’s Cheese, Garlic Croutons (£6). She approved of its “exuberant fishiness”( She’s been watching Rick Stein again), but felt that the cheese didn’t melt in well enough. I found it too lemony.

My starter, on its own, would have served a trencherman as a sturdy lunch after the ascent of Pendle. It will take a whole paragraph to set down its delights. Here goes:

Elm Wood Platter of House Cured Meats, Pickled Brisket, Ox Tongue, Organic Honey Roast Ham, Wallings Farm Collared Pork, Homemade Pickles, Piccalilli, Organic Bread.

It cost £8.50 and was an absolute delight, restoring my faith in ham and revealing brisket’s untapped gastronomic potential. The pickles were as sour-sweet sharp as pickles should be, the bread springy and moist.

It cried out for a pint, but Aggie, warming to her task, was keen to try the Douro Touriga Franca Crooked River – a smooth, mulberryish table red from Portugal’s port-producing heartland. It was excellent value at £22.50 and its colourful, painted label reminded me of one helter-skelter holiday drive through that river valley’s cliff-hanging vineyards. In the absence of tripe dishes, I suggested Hindle Wakes for Aggie’s main. She remained her own woman.

Off the specials, she selected, for £9.50, Roast Rib of Bowland Beef, yellow beet puree, purple sprouting broccoli, red wine jus. (“They mean gravy, don’t they? Having themselves on.”) I’d ordered it medium rare, but was forced to embark on the Long March again, to alter that to rare. As it was, it came in two slabs, one delectably pink, one browner and chewier, neither quite living up to the promise of properly hung mature beef. The yellow beet puree was a curious, spicy swede/turnip mix.

For the same price, I fared better with the Hindle Wakes.

The famous food historian Dorothy Hartley claimed the dish was brought over as ‘Hen de la Wake’ by Flemish weavers, who settled in Lancashire in the 14th century and also introduced clogs. Other associate it with Stanley Houghton’s classic Lancashire play of the name, which the Royal Exchange revived the other year.

Traditionally, it was made with prunes and a boiled hen of a certain age. Mine was two hunks of more sprightly fowl, wrapped in bacon, stuffed with plum and basil, served in a broth teeming with button mushrooms and pearl barley.

The gut-swelling barley transported me back, to those filling soups of my Lancashire childhood. Which I suppose was the aim. Aggie wondered why we still needed to stuff when there are risottos to be had.

For pudding I had a toothsome, curranty Lancashire Curd Tart with organic Lemon Cream, while Aggie wolfed down the vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce (both puds £4.50). By the time we staggered out, the rain had swept in with a vengeance. Just like old times.
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