This rambling roadside inn sits on a quiet crossroads, with the magnificent Sawley Abbey ruins on one side & the gently rolling river Ribble on the other. Inside, co-owner Martin Clarkson has used his considerable design skills to handsome effect; stone-flagged floors & huge open fires remain, but he’s cleverly added an eye-catching mix of vintage & modern furniture, funky fabrics (check out the cutlery-themed linen curtains) & striking wallpaper. Eat in the comfortable bar or treat yourself to a seat in one of the dining rooms with views over the river. The menu changes daily & could offer air-dried ham served with fresh fig, mulled pear purée & shaved manchego or deep-fried black pudding fritters with mustard honey & lemon mayo ahead of slow-cooked shoulder of lamb on honey-roast parsnips, or crab & ginger-crusted cod loin on a fruity red pepper & curry cream sauce.