AS with the Michelin commotion, it’s best not to get your hopes up. With no Greater Manchester presence in last year’s Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs we weren’t holding our breath for 2018. There’s always our Lancashire hinterland to be proud of – in 2017 it boasted five entries.
Well, that didn’t last with The Inn at Whitewell (21); The Assheton Arms, Downham (22); and The White Swan, Fence (48) all demoted this time. On the positive side the Cartford Inn north of Preston comes in at 40, The Freemasons at Wiswell near Whalley has retained its No.4 spot and last year’s highest climber (from 48th to 13th), The Parker’s Arms at Newton-in Bowland, has leapt into eighth spot in a list topped by the Sportsman at Seasalter in Kent.
You can get to the Parker’s Arms from Manchester in little over an hour – amid stunning scenery it retains an authentic country pub feel. That’s credit to chef patron Stosie Madi (above) and her business partner Kathy Smith, who took over the place a decade ago and have built up a huge fan base among online foodies.
Menu highlights include pheasant escalope in sourdough and Kirkham’s crumb with cranberry relish; Newton venison with local bramble and unpasteurised cheese; and Lancashire hogget hotpot with damson pickled red cabbage.
There are also a variety of pub classics available including top quality steaks; fish and chips; and of course, Stosie’s famous pies (main picture).