Parkers Arms

When her country pub The Parkers Arms made the 2024 National Restaurant Awards top 100 list, chef patron Stosi Madi described it as “a family business with great food and beer set in the countryside”, which sums it up nicely for us.

Jovial host Kathy Smith is the other half of the characterful owner duo, and whether you choose to dine al fresco out front under the red umbrellas, or huddle by the fire inside, it’s always a relaxed affair.

The location in Newton-in-Bowland gives the chef scope to stick to the house ambition of, ‘if it doesn’t grow in the area of The Trough of Bowland then (except for chocolate, vanilla or spice), they don’t want it on the menu’.  This results in pretty plates like wild Morecambe Bay sea bass tartare decorated with herbs and edible flowers.

If the three-course tasting menu, with special highlights like scallop and lobster with roe butter and sea herbs, is for a more leisurely lunch, then a short and seasonal menu is available for walk-ins. It always features one of their famous pies, along with really crispy triple-cooked chips.

The deep green walls of the dining room are reminiscent of the countryside walks beckoning outside but be sure to order dessert before you leave. Our advice, don’t miss out on zingy, fresh lemon curd and meringue tart or the irresistible rum baba.