LUX Hotel & Spa Awards 2016

LUX - Hotel & Spa Awards 2016 47 Best Country Pub & Boutique Hotel 2016 - Preston The Cartford Inn has quite a history behind it. Originally a 17th century coaching inn, it is located at the historic crossing of the river Wyre, in the village of Little-Eccleston, which would have been the river’s only crossing before a bridge was built further up the river. Although the establishment has been a traditional pub and inn for many years, the second half of the 20th century saw the inn in need of some care and attention, and by the early 2000’s its wider appeal had disappeared. Patrick and Julie saw its potential, however, and realised their dream of owning an outstanding country inn when they purchased it in 2007. They refurbished the inn in a contemporary, rural-chic style and placed a new emphasis on food, drink and service to cater for the growing demand for restaurant experiences in a relaxed pub setting. Best Country Pub & Boutique Hotel 2016 - Preston Company: The Cartford Inn Web: www.thecartfordinn.co.uk Phone: 01995 670166 HS160016 Since then, The Cartford Inn has gained standing for its exceptional food and drink. Head chef Chris Bury employs a wide repertoire of techniques to showcase Lancashire’s abundance of great produce. Together with sound cooking skills, they cure, smoke and preserve ingredients on-site to make the menu unique. Dishes take inspiration from the region’s culinary heritage along with influences from other countries (particularly France, where Patrick is from). Guests will also find extensive choice at the bar, including real ales, craft beers, a carefully chosen selection of wines and expertly made cocktails. Each one of the inn’s luxury bedrooms has been individually designed and styled by Julie. They feature hand-painted wallpapers, sumptuous furnishings, and the amenities are of the highest quality. The number of bedrooms was increased to fifteen with the building of a riverside extension in 2011, so guests now enjoy privileged views of the scenic riverscape and look out across the countryside to the distant Bowland fells. Patrick and Julie have undertaken much work recently to have the inn looking its best and improve experiences for visitors. This has included landscaping the inn’s outside areas and creating a terrace where you can enjoy a meal, sat in the sun, whilst taking in the views, surrounded by plants and flowers. You can also visit the inn’s newly created on-site shop and delicatessen TOTI (Taste of the Inn), where you can find a variety of delicious foods to take home. And they’re continuing to enhance the location. Currently it’s planned to build two accommodation units on stilts at the edge of the property. Situated on particularly picturesque part of the river, these should make for an exciting reason to visit The Cartford Inn in the future. The Cartford Inn Set in the heart of Lancashire’s picturesque Fylde countryside, The Cartford Inn has become renowned as one of the best dining pubs in the UK. With beautiful boutique accommodation exhibiting the inn’s unique style and attention to detail, it’s a luxury retreat for food lovers. We spoke to owners Patrick and Julie Beaumé to find out more about the inn and how they’ve consistently strived to improve experiences for their guests.