‘Latest dining series at Lancashire pub is a symphony of the senses’

It’s the sort of place that’s on bucket lists for special occasions and for very good reason.

I’ve never had a disappointing visit, and my latest dining experience was no exception.

Renowned chef Nigel Haworth’s ‘Forgotten Fish’ series, which has been running since March, can be succinctly summed up as a pescatarian dream, which was a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

The tasting dishes my guest and I were presented with were a symphony for the senses, an experience not to be missed. 

Our visit coincided with the West Coast of Scotland menu, with dishes that showcase the region’s bountiful waters.

Every dish placed before us looked exquisite and tasted divine, and the English sparkling wine of choice, Gusbourne Blanc De Blanc, complemented every plate.

ALSO READ: Meet the chef behind menu at dog-friendly, family-run pub listed in Michelin Guide

ALSO READ: Meet the Chef: Lisa Goodwin-Allen, executive chef of Northcote, Langho

From the first amuse-bouche, a fishy take on a filled miniature Yorkshire pudding, to the tiny Eccles cakes that finished the experience, every course was a delight.  

In total, we were served seven plates, all of which were so beautifully presented they looked like edible works of art.

  • Nigel’s cheese rolls with whey butter

  • West coast crab bisque with salad, tomatoes and basil

  • Cured and smoked pollock with pickled ginger and coriander

  • Ling with champagne miso and sticky rice

  • Scallop with broad beans, samphire and shiitake 

  • Barbecued tusk fish with warm Jersey royals, asparagus and Hollandaise sauce

  • Lemkin strawberries with clotted cream and meringue

While each one in its own right was superb, there were some real standouts.

The cheese rolls were melt-in-the-mouth, and we could happily have been served them all night. The bisque was sumptuous and the ling exceptionally tasty.

My guest and I weren’t sure we would like the tusk fish, but it ended up being our favourite of the lot, with gorgeous flavours and beautifully presented – a Scottish summer captured on a plate. 

ALSO READ: New restaurant brings an Afghan taste to town centre

ALSO READ: Michelin-starred restaurant to close for months for major revamp

The dessert was just the ticket to finish off, the strawberries were so fresh with exactly the right amount of meringue and cream, and had some kind of delicious but not overly sweet coating – a welcome palate cleanser.

And if you’re hoping to glimpse the main man himself, Nigel does come out and chat to diners and see how they’re getting on and for general chatter – a nice touch without being intrusive. 

A special mention must go to all the staff, who really couldn’t do enough for us. Every single one of them was attentive, informative and unfailingly courteous.

The ambience was relaxed, and it was a full evening out rather than a couple of hours – the experience lasted from 7pm to 11pm.

All in all, it was a wonderful evening – time does fly by when you are having a dining experience of this quality.  

Tickets for the Forgotten Fish series are now available, priced at £89 per person and include a six-course menu and a welcome glass of Gusbourne Blanc de Blanc.

Visit www.thethreefishes.co.uk for more information.

Address: Mitton Rd, Whalley, Clitheroe, BB7 9PQ

Telephone: 01254 826666

Source – INDIA TV