Chef/patron Nigel Haworth and his business partner, Craig Bancroft, run this red brick, late Victorian/Edwardian residence as an informal restaurant-with-rooms (Michelin star). It stands in wooded grounds with views of the Ribble valley, near the busy A59 (windows are double glazed). It has been renovated, with original features retained (beautiful wooden doors and windows); there are brown leather armchairs and sofas in the sitting rooms. Inspectors liked their refurbished bedroom: 'Comfortable rather than stylish, it had a magnificent Victorian wardrobe, large bed, chaise longue, games, magazines, CD-player, flat-screen TV, fridge; well-equipped, efficient bathroom. Gold wallpaper added to the sombre ambience, but the huge bay window, with view of fields, brought light and colour.' A dissenter this year thought that the bedrooms did not live up to the food, and complained of long delays at breakfast. Everyone admires the restaurant (the window tables are recommended and service is 'good humoured, attentive'). The tasting menu was 'impressive and well balanced', with dishes like Jerusalem artichoke soup, artichoke carpaccio; beef cannon, smoked marrowbone. More reports, please.