RIBBLE Valley Inns’ original ‘food pub’, The Three Fishes near Whalley, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

To mark to occasion co-founder Nigel Haworth has appointed Ian Moss from his Northcote fine dining operation as its new head chef.

The Three Fishes opened to critical acclaim in 2004 and was the trailblazer of a group of five similar pubs of which four hold an AA Rosette and place in the ‘Michelin Pub Guide’.

The Inn, in the hamlet of Mitton, has picked up a string of awards and makes regular appearances in the UK’s top 50 gastro pubs.

It pioneered the vision of Mr Haworth and co-founder Craig Bancroft to bring high culinary standards and fine local produce to customers of Lancashire pubs.

Mr Haworth said:“Ten years is a milestone occasion: where did the time go? And what a journey.

“Craig and I had always had our eye on The Three Fishes, so when the opportunity arose, we had no hesitation.

“ Today it still stands for what it did 10 years ago; local, seasonal and reflecting the heritage of this area in its menu.”