There’s no shortage of picturesque places in Lancashire, with Mellor in the Ribble Valley being a prime example.

At the heart of this chocolate box village is The Millstone, a former 17th-century coaching inn that’s steeped in history.

While the exterior of the building retains all the charm of the original architecture, the interior has undergone major renovations and is the height of 21st-century luxury. 

Having driven past the award-winning property many times and having heard nothing but positives about it, I jumped at the opportunity to stay overnight and enjoy what The Millstone had to offer. 

Lancashire Telegraph: Inside The Chairman suiteInside The Chairman suite (Image: Daniel Thwaites/Newsquest)

The award-winning property, acquired by Daniel Thwaites in 1980, is fit to bursting with character and charisma inside and out - that’s apparent to any guest shortly after they arrive.

There’s plenty of complimentary parking and the side and rear of the pub with a small outdoor seating area that’s ideal for sunny days (sadly the day I arrived was a mix of rain and sun). 

My check-in was speedy and the member of staff who greeted me on arrival was friendly and full of information. I had already confirmed my dinner reservation prior to arrival and was eager to get up to "The Chairman" suite.

Lancashire Telegraph: The Chairman suite bedroomThe Chairman suite bedroom (Image: Daniel Thwaites/Newsquest)

I was not disappointed - the suite was sumptuous and spacious and I felt very much that I was staying in an upmarket venue. There were homemade shortbread biscuits waiting for me which I tucked into while doing some work. Once the deadlines were out of the way I was able to throw myself back onto the huge bed, switch on the TV with a cup of tea (and the rest of those biscuits) and really relax.

I’d arranged for a guest to join me for dinner, so just before 7pm I headed downstairs to meet them and then we headed to the bar. We’d decided to go for a more formal dining experience and opted for the restaurant. 

We were quickly shown to our seats and allowed time to peruse the menus (specials and standard) - there were plenty of options and we had a hard time picking our three courses. In the end, I opted for baked camembert to start, followed by steak and then sticky toffee pudding, while my guest went for duck egg and asparagus, tuna steak and also sticky toffee pudding.

Lancashire Telegraph: The mainsThe mains (Image: Newsquest)

While I opted for just a Diet Coke, my guest was able to enjoy a beautifully chilled New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

We didn’t have to wait long for our starters, both of which were served beautifully and were piping hot. In fact, we gobbled them down so quickly in our excitement we forgot to take pictures of the for the review.

Not long after the plates were cleared our mains arrived - both the beef and the tuna were simply sumptuous and tender. My meal was served with chunky chips, a gorgeous béarnaise sauce, tomato and mushrooms while my guest’s main was served with beautifully cooked veg.

We were so full at this point we had to ask for a break so we could sit, chat and digest. After about 20 minutes we asked for the puddings and again, we didn’t have long to wait. They were decadently good and needless to say we polished them off. 

Lancashire Telegraph: The dining room and the dessertThe dining room and the dessert (Image: Newsquest)

After that, it was time to part ways and I headed back up to the suite, excited to clamber into bed after the feast provided by the very attentive staff. I had a great night’s sleep and woke up feeling refreshed (and to be honest, still very full).

Although the staff had been kind enough to arrange a late check-out for me the next day, I had a last-minute meeting drop in my diary. So once I’d used the very powerful shower and complimentary White Company toiletries, I went back downstairs to the restaurant to have breakfast.

Once again, the service was speedy and very friendly. I was shown the continental options to choose from while my poached eggs on toast were made. I’d barely finished my cereal when the eggs arrived - they weren’t the most beautifully prepared but they were just what I wanted; nice, simple and tasty.

And sadly not long after, I had to go back upstairs, pack and check out. I had a thoroughly enjoyable stay; The Millstone is an ideal spot for a mid-week business trip where you fancy something a lot more upmarket than a budget hotel but also would suit a weekend away. It gets five stars from me - and I will be back for sure!

Lancashire Telegraph: Nice and cost in winterNice and cost in winter (Image: Daniel Thwaites/Newsquest)

More about the venue

Set in the charming village of Mellor, The Millstone provides the perfect countryside escape. With rolling hills, winding rivers, and breathtaking views right on the doorstep – guests will struggle to find a more magical place. Just a short drive away you’ll find Clitheroe and Preston. 

The Millstone has 23 bedrooms, from “county doubles” to spacious “character rooms” - and for that special treat, there are the suites.

Guests can enjoy a snug corner of the bar or opt to dine in the award-winning AA rosette restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all available, as well as cask ales, cocktails and plenty of tipples to choose from. Four-legged friends are also welcome in the bar area.