The Inn at Whitewell

A family had a ‘wonderful’ three-night stay this year at Charles Bowman’s 300-year-old inn which sits in some of the finest scenery in the North of England, high above the River Hodder. They had unusual praise for Mr Bowman, the third generation of his family to be involved: ‘Lancashire’s answer to Hugh Grant, so amusing and charming.’The building is filled with family antiques, old paintings and prints, oriental rugs, and is decorated in a quirky style. Antique baths are a speciality. Fourteen bedrooms have an open fire. The river-facing rooms have ‘gorgeous views’, and all but one of the ‘less appealing rooms’ facing the car park have been ‘very satisfactorily’ refurbished this year. Log fires warm the public rooms, and the busy bar which serves ‘excellent’ food and is popular with locals ‘has a delightful ambience’.The riverside dining room ‘is a touch more formal’. Chef Jamie Cadman uses local ingredients in dishes like roast loin of Bowland lamb, with barley and carrots. ‘No tea-making facilities, but room service starts at 7 am.’ ‘Good breakfasts: freshly squeezed orange juice, good fruit, porridge with cream and honey, full English.’ The inn owns seven miles of fishing for salmon, trout, etc.