7 reasons to stay at Holmes Mill in Clitheroe

THE BISTRO BAR & GRILL

With its Art Nouveau décor and a menu that reflects the very best of British seafood and grilled meats, the Bistro Bar & Grill is set to offer you a dining experience that is mouth-wateringly memorable.

When it comes to food, the philosophy of this modern British restaurant is really quite straightforward: the Bistro team take only the finest ingredients, treat them with care and respect, and deliver simply stunning dishes each and every time.

And, with the Bowland Food Hall for a larder, the Bistro, Bar & Grill has access to the best and freshest ingredients to be found in the North West. Their meat is sourced from Bowland and Lancashire, their seafood comes from Fleetwood, Lancaster and the markets at Manchester, and their seasonal fruit and vegetables are sourced from the farms of the flat lands of West Lancashire.

Not that it’s all about the food, here. Their decadent selection of drinks are also to dine for. Stylish, sophisticated and superbly well-stocked, the Bistro’s bar – sitting right at the heart of the restaurant – offers everything from a relaxed morning coffee or pre-dinner aperitifs to cocktails with the girls or a cheeky nightcap before heading up to your hotel room.

Not that it’s all about beer, here. Holmes Mill is already making a bit of a name for itself as something of a foodie mecca in Lancashire, and it’s easy to see why. The comprehensive menu of tasty tucker served up in The Beer Hall features everything from small plates and snacks to nibble on with your drinks, to crowd-pleasing classics like burgers, hot dogs and pies. And there’s something for everyone, too, so veggie’s need not worry.

Like a little live music with your pint? Say no more. Fancy the perfect beer pairing with your meal? The bartender’s already got it sorted for you. Want to sample the newest beer on offer? Head along on a Thursday and be among the first to sample it. Up for a challenge? Head along to their Drink It Dry nights midweek and see what you’re made of. Or maybe you think of yourself as an intrepid beer explorer? Why not try their Circumnavigation and sample beers from all over the world? Whatever you fancy from your nights out, we can guarantee you’ll find it here.

BOWLAND FOOD HALL

This is a bold statement and certainly not foregone conclusion by any means. But we feel confident to crown Bowland Food Hall as Holmes Mill’s pièce de resistance when it comes to visitor attractions. It’s that good.

Part-farm shop, part-deli, part-juice bar and part-health food store, this fabulous foodie haven offers up one of the most exquisite showcases of the finest, tastiest and healthiest food and drink in the North. All sourced from local producers, farmers and growers, of course.

However we choose to see it, Bowland Food Hall is all about quality and provenance. After all, if we are what we eat, then we might as well eat only the very best.

So, visit this foodie mecca, and be well prepared to discover your new taste obsession when you do. Because Bowland Food Hall stock everything you could ever imagine, and more – all brought together with passion and flair to create a feast for all the senses. Now this is food shopping as it should be.

EVERYMAN CINEMA

Yep, when we said Holmes Mill had everything you could ever wish for from a staycation spot, we weren’t lying. 

Sure, it would be great to soak up that summer sunshine all day, every day. But we’re too used to our great British weather to think any breakaway will be as plain sailing as all that.

Which is why we are here for the rainy day retreats Holmes Mill offer up in abundance. And one of our favourites is their onsite Everyman Cinema.

Now, for any of you who haven’t yet had the pleasure of watching a film at an Everyman, let us give you a taste of what you can expect – because Everyman aims to completely revolutionise our cinema experience.

Sit back and relax in plush, luxury seating as you prepare to watch the very latest and most exclusive screenings of new releases, indie films and classic blockbusters. And, if you regret not getting that hot dog combo on the way in, simply order food and drink to be delivered directly to your seat. Oh, we almost forgot – the drink here can mean wine, beer and spirits as much as it can that XXL Diet Coke.

Think all your home comforts, but with that unforgettable big-screen experience.

Fondly referred to as the foodie capital of the North, Ribble Valley offers an array of gastronomic experiences for the discerning diner – from Michelin-star restaurants to family-friendly eateries, you’ll find plenty to fill your boots (and your plates). Not to be overlooked though, the countless wine bars and pubs in the area also set themselves apart from the crowd by their unequivocal elegance and charm.

Culture vultures will find plenty to indulge their curiosity here, too. Heritage sites such as the 14th century Whalley Abbey, the Ribchester Roman Museum and the medieval Clitheroe Castle have many a fascinating story to tell, while the enigmatic Stonyhurst College allegedly served as a source of inspiration for legendary author JRR Tolkien. Not that the area’s draw lies entirely in its past – Ribble Valley also plays host to a variety of annual cultural, music, art and food events, including the ever-growing Clitheroe Food Festival.

Considering all that Ribble Valley has to offer, it’s little wonder that the area is now regarded as one of the happiest UK. Indeed, we’ve even heard rumours that the Queen told her biographer that she and Prince Phillip once yearned to retire to the valley. Whether that’s true or not, what we do know is that you’ll have a right royal knees up here, whatever floats your boat.