Lancaster Restaurant Guide

“The best afternoon tea ever, with beautiful views over Morecambe Bay to the Lake District plus delicious sandwiches, scones and cakes, and a choice of teas and more if needed” – this well-known hotel is an Art Deco masterpiece (dating from 1933) and most recommended for its “first-class afternoon tea”. Its “lovely dining room” – the aptly named ‘Sun Terrace’ – also receives enthusiastic support, though: “good food with local choices and the sunsets are truly amazing”.

“Hardly any further from Junction 33 of the M6 than Forton Services”: Craig Wilkinson’s “always popular”, “railway-side pub” has, say fans, “always unjustly sailed a little below the radar, while food and cooking continue in their accomplished, classically inspired, utterly satisfying way”. “In a time when so many places turn out Identikit dishes from the same playbook, it’s somehow refreshing to get a really good terrine, confit duck legs etc”. Top Menu Tip – “Meat is first class, the Sunday roast beef is the best ever: pink and melting in the mouth”.

This “buzzy and busy but welcoming” old Lune Valley inn focuses on “excellent locally sourced fish from Morecambe Bay or the Irish Sea” – including a “good but enormous seafood platter to share, which you need to book in advance”. Now part of Oakman Inns, it’s a “convenient and comfortable place to stay near Lancaster and the M6”, en route to the Lake District or Scotland.