A Lancashire pub has been named among the best places to enjoy food at lunchtime this autumn in a list of 40 establishments, created by Sawday’s.

Sharing the list, iNews said: “The season of hearty comfort food is upon us and where better to tuck in than a cosy country pub? The experts at Sawday’s have selected 40 venues to tempt your taste buds”.

The Inn at Whitewell in Clitheroe which “regularly draws people in” with its signature dishes features on the list.

Why is The Inn at Whitewell among the UK’s best lunch spots this autumn?

iNews shared: “A pub with its own on-site vintner is always going to have a good wine list, but The Inn at Whitewell doesn’t stop there. Head chef Jamie Cadman has been here for 20 years, crafting superb local food with his team.

“The fish pie is their signature dish, unsurprisingly given the seven-mile stretch of river fishing they have access to, but the Bowland lamb and even the cheese selection regularly draws people in.”

The newspaper said that starters are available from £8.75 while customers can tuck into mains from £16.50.

Sawday’s said: “It is almost impossible to imagine a day when a better inn will grace the English landscape. Everything here is perfect. The inn sits just above the river Hodder, and doors in the bar lead onto a terrace where guests can enjoy five-mile views across parkland to rising fells.

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“Inside, fires roar, newspapers wait, there are beams, sofas, maps and copies of Wisden. Bedrooms, some in the Coach House, are exemplary and come with real luxury, perhaps a peat fire, a lavish four-poster, a fabulous Victorian power shower.

“All have beautiful fabrics, top linen and gadgets galore; many have the marvellous view – you can fall asleep to the sound of the river. There are bar meals for those who want to watch their weight (the Whitewell fish pie is rightly famous) or a restaurant for splendid food, so dig into seared scallops, Bowland lamb, a plate of local cheese (the Queen once popped in for lunch).

“Elsewhere, a wine shop in reception, seven miles of private fishing and countryside as good as any in the land. Dogs and children are very welcome. Magnificent.”

You can see the full list of the best 40 pubs to enjoy lunch at this autumn via the iNews website.

The Inn at Whitewell has impressed visitors on Tripadvisor where it has earned a 4.5/5 rating from 1,408 reviews.

One customer said: “Alaways fantastic whether dropping in for lunch or stopping over. Second time we’ve stayed over but this time was a real treat staying in room 20 with a balcony overlooking the river and bowland valley.

“Absolutely beautiful. The whole experience. The setting the location the accommodation the food all fantastic but best of all the staff.

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“Amazing so friendly so helpful they really do make this place a five star experience. The inn at Whitewell gets my highest recommendation and is a must do. Not one bed word to say. Fantastic.”

Another commented: “We stayed for just the one night for my husbands birthday and everything was top notch.

“Delicious evening meal, and breakfast, lovely room and great service; the tea and coffee and homemade shortbread delivered to our room was a nice and welcome touch on arrival. The surrounding countryside is lovely and the views from the dinning room outstanding.”