Fine dining is at the heart of the Ribble Valley. Here is our guide to just a few you might like to try. Emma Mayoh reports

Northcote, Langho This Michelin star restaurant and country house hotel is celebrating its 30th anniversary. With by chef patron Nigel Haworth and business partner Craig Bancroft in charge, it has become a true gourmet destination. Last year saw the opening of a dedicated cookery school, a state-of-the-art kitchen with a Chef’s Table and guestrooms. Expect exceptional food in elegant surroundings. Northcote, Northcote Road, Langho, Blackburn, BB6 8BE, 01254 240555, www.northcote.com

Assheton Arms The awards have come thick and fast for this Grade II listed pub in picture postcard Downham village. The former Lancashire Life Dining Pub of the Year has carved itself a reputation for top quality food. The kitchen team makes use of the fabulous fish supplied by Chris Neve. Haddock, hake, monkfish and salmon are menu regulars. This is all served up with spectacular views of Pendle Hill. Assheton Arms, Downham, Clitheroe, BB7 4BJ, 01200 441227, www.seafoodpubcompany.com/the-assheton-arms

Inn at Whitewell This Lancashire heavyweight, which dates back to the 1300s, deservedly has an excellent reputation. It has picked up many awards for its food and head chef Jamie Cadman, now in his 14th year. Expect seasonal grouse from Lancashire, pheasant and partridge from the Dunsop shoot and Bowland beef and Lonk lamb from Burholme Farm, all of which can be seen from this wonderful, rural inn. Inn at Whitewell, near Clitheroe, BB7 3AT, 01200 448222, www.innatwhitewell.com

Mitton Hall An incredible country house hotel in the heart of the Ribble Valley. The 15th century manor house, another of the James’ Places stable of venues, was brought back to life and made to feel like a home again – albeit a rather spectacular one. The Brasserie, lead by head chef Paul Dugdale, is the jewel in Mitton’s crown. Mitton Hall, Mitton Road, Mitton, near Whalley, BB7 9PQ, 01254 826544, www.mittonhallhotel.co.uk

Parkers Arms The country pub in Newton-in-Bowland is a cracker. Amazing cooking using the best produce from the Trough of Bowland is what this place is all about. Food here is a celebration. As you would expect, seasonal produce is well used too and local ales get a good show. The menu is brimming with hearty fare as well as dishes with a global influence. Parkers Arms, Newton-in-Bowland, near Clitheroe, BB7 3DY, 01200 446236, www.parkersarms.co.uk

Freemasons at Wiswell This delightful country pub provides what some have described as a memorable gastronomic experience. And one visit to the Freemasons at Wiswell will make you realise its just not all talk. Chef patron Steven Smith, born in Blackburn, learned his much lauded culinary skills in some of the North’s top establishments before he decided to strike out on his own. It was the first pub in the history of the Good Food guide to receive seven out of ten and it took the top spot in the guide’s Top 50 Pubs list. Freemasons at Wiswell, 8 Vicarage Fold, Wiswell, Clitheroe, BB7 9DF, 01254 822218, www.freemasonsatwiswell.com

Millstone at Mellor Chef patron Anson Bolton and wife Sarah have done Mellor proud since they arrived here. Not only does it offer a wonderful place to stay, it is a welcoming spot just for enjoying a drink. But the food, with two AA rosettes, is a celebration here and you can enjoy the delicious dishes from the menu in one of the dining areas or for something extra special, in one of the private dining areas. The Millstone at Mellor, Church Lane, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7JR, 01254 814156, www.millstonehotel.co.uk

Red Pump Inn If steaks are your thing, then the Red Pump Inn is probably the place for you. They source their beef from The Ginger Pig, the wide variety of steaks that include Fillet, Sirloin, Rump, Rib-eye, Argentinean Picanha are expertly cooked by chef Thomas Drinkall and the team. The grill menu also has chicken, lamb and fish cuts as well as Irish Stew and Fish Chowder for those requiring less of a protein feast. The Red Pump, Clitheroe Road, Bashall Eaves, near Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 3DA. 1254 826 227. www.theredpumpinn.co.uk

The Three Fishes This former Lancashire Life Dining Pub of the Year continues to earn accolades as one of the UK’s finest. Ian Moss, who has been head chef since last year, has worked as sous chef at Northcote, also has previous experience in and around London including Michelin star establishments. Quality regional producers remain at the heart of Ian’s new menu. The Three Fishes, Mitton Road, nr Whalley, BB7 9PQ, 01254 826888, www.thethreefishes.com

The Shireburn Arms Situated in Hurst Green, the home of the Tolkien Trail, The Shireburn Arms is a historic 17th Century inn with great character. Head chef Matthew Simpson serves up beautiful food that puts Lancashire produce in the spotlight. The pub’s patio areas to the front and rear are the ideal place to enjoy it and soak up the sun in the summer. The Shireburn Arms, Whalley Road, Hurst Green, Clitheroe, BB7 9QJ, 01254 826678, www.shireburnarmshotel.co.uk

Our ten represents just a tiny slice of the places available in the Ribble Valley. Tell us about your favourites by leaving a comment below or sending a tweet to @lancashirelife