‘A lovely place to stay,’ writes a reader in 2018, of this popular old inn. On the banks of the River Hodder, it has views to the Forest of Bowland. ‘It has a lovely atmosphere,’ another reader concurs. Third-generation owner Charles Bowman’s taste for antiques and paintings is everywhere evident. One ‘very comfortable’ main-house bedroom had a ‘large four-poster, including canopy’; a coach-house room was ‘enormous, with a sofa and chairs, a good bathroom with bath and separate shower’ – and when the heating failed, staff went above and beyond duty to resolve the problem. Some rooms have an open fire, perhaps glass doors on to the riverside, an antique bath. There are ‘good and reasonably priced’ bar meals, while in the restaurant chef Jamie Cadman’s menus are big on locally sourced game and meat, perhaps chargrilled beef fillet, roast shallot, flat mushrooms, slow-roasted tomatoes, tarragon butter. At breakfast, some would like more healthy options, ‘though I enjoyed my full English’. A ghillie provided for a fishing excursion was ‘very professional’ and ‘made the day enjoyable… I plan to return, and hope next time to catch something.’ (Rosemary Melling, Max Lickfold)