Here's our pick of places to gather outdoors with friends and family to catch-up. and enjoy the sunshine and great food in and around Lancashire.
Parkers Arms, Newton in Bowland
Recently named third in the country in the prestigious Top 50 gastropubs awards, this gorgeous country inn has uninterrupted views of unspoilt countryside in the heart of the spectacular Forest of Bowland. Served with it is a fantastic menu cooked up by chef patron Stosie Madi, who has impressed some of the food industry’s most veracious critics with her to-die-for pies and puds. But you’ll have an enviable struggle choosing from the menu. If it’s raining? No problem, the Parkers team have you covered, literally, with an outdoor marquee.
parkersarms.co.uk
Levens Kitchen at Levens Hall, near Kendal
Takeaway to eat on the terrace at this 13th century Elizabethan country house? Yes please. Tear off slices of soft sourdough crust pizzas with far from predictable toppings like confit duck, rocket and mozzarella, feast on food grown on the estate and then take a stroll around the spectacular gardens.
levenshall.co.uk
The Barn at Moor Hall, Aughton
Sit under pretty parasols looking over a lake and grounds of one of the country’s best restaurants for some fancy pants al fresco. Neighbourhood restaurant, The Barn at Moor Hall, is the younger sibling of Mark Birchall’s two Michelin star Moor Hall. The menu is bursting with seasonal and local produce, including much grown in their own kitchen gardens. Sunday lunch – a 40-day aged Lake District beef dinner – is a particular treat.
moorhall.com
Bay Horse Inn, Ellel
Local food is put centre stage in at this countryside gastropub run by chef Craig Wilkinson and wife, Nicola. The gardens – and marque that’s been put up to deal with any unwelcome April showers – have lovely views over never-ending fields and grazing animals.
bayhorseinn.com
The Gibbon Bridge Hotel, Chipping
The gardens at this Chipping hotel and restaurant are the perfect for al fresco dining. Some of the gardens, and the fabulous outdoor dining huts will be open for lunch – they come fully heated too so will keep away any spring day chills. With views as lovely as the dishes on the menu, sit and enjoy the lovely green space that has been lovingly tended by owner Janet Simpson and her team for decades. There is plenty of local produce on the menu, including some grown in the grounds.
gibbon-bridge.co.uk
Inn at Whitewell, Whitewell
Set above the River Hodder, the Inn at Whitewell, named Pub of the Year by the Good Pub Guide 2020, is a spectacular rural inn with equally spectacular views of the Forest of Bowland. Take pleasure in its relaxed environment, the stunning views and the lovely food created by the talented kitchen team either from a spot on the terrace or in their lovely dining spaces. A trip to the nearby stepping stones across the river is a must.
innatwhitewell.com
The Cartford Inn, Little Eccleston
The team at The Cartford Inn are creating a spring garden for diners to eat in. This outdoor pop-up restaurant that will run alongside their deli, TOTI, which has kept open during the pandemic serving delicious dishes, pies, cakes and puds. Tables can be reserved for dining on Thursday to Sunday in preparation of the restaurant opening indoors on May 17th.
Fancy a foodie break? The Cartford’s two luxury cabins will also be open from Thursday to Sunday with room service breakfast and dinner provided or you can choose to dine in the Spring Garden.
thecartfordinn.co.uk
Levanter Fine Foods, Ramsbottom
This Ramsbottom foodie heaven will have a roadside dining area outside the popular Levanter with tapas and wood-fired pereruela oven dishes cooked at their sister restaurant, Baratxuri, just around the corner, which serves tasty dishes from the Basque region.
baratxuri.co.uk/levanter
The Mill at Ulverston
Venture up the iron staircase onto the first floor and you will find The Mill’s Terrace Bar. A pretty terrace garden, it’s the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.
mill-at-ulverston.co.uk
Eagle and Child, Ramsbottom
A visit to this Ramsbottom institution is a must. The real jewel in its crown is its beer garden, a lovely space full of growing veg and a great view.
eagle-and-child.com
