TWO top restaurants in East Lancashire have been given a boost during their pandemic struggles by a gastro guide.

Bosses at the White Swan at Fence and Northcote in Langho were delighted to hear they had retained their one-star Michelin award.

Both restaurants have had to adapt during the coronavirus enforced closures of the last 10 months and keep their operations ticking over by creating boxes for customers to assemble fine-dining dishes at home.

Lisa Goodwin-Allen, executive chef at Northcote, said: “We are delighted to have retained the Michelin star for 2021 especially since it has been a difficult time.

“It is a huge thank-you to all the staff who are working hard in these tough times and the customers who have come back to support us, and it is a great achievement and effort by everyone.” Co-owner of the White Swan, Gareth Ostrick, said: “Retaining our Michelin star for a third year is an amazing achievement for the team. It has been a very challenging year.

“The months we were open and trading were fantastic, it was great seeing our customers and providing some normality.

“Our team has now adapted to current conditions and we are selling White Swan cook-at-home boxes which are a great success.

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“The feedback we have received has been brilliant, it’s a lovely feeling knowing that we are still giving our customers something to look forward to every weekend although it is not the same as actually being open. We are very much looking forward to opening our doors again.

“Thanks to Michelin, Timothy Taylor’s (our landlords) and all our customers for the continued support. We are established and will survive,” he added.

Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, said: “This has been a hugely challenging period for the hospitality industry and our thoughts remain with all those who have suffered from the pandemic and the restrictions.”