13 hours Ago
A restaurant guide has revealed the best restaurants in the UK and five of them are in Lancashire. SquareMeal has published its annual Top 100 Restaurants for 2025 list, which highlights thriving restaurant scenes in UK towns, cities and villages that rival anywhere else in the country. The Parkers Arms, in Newton-in-Bowland, and the White Swan at Fence are among the East Lancashire mentions.
The White Swan is ranked at number 54 with reviewers praising the “modest village pub” for having a “witty and thoughtful menu”. A reviewer said: “The atmosphere is laid back but small batch local produce and technical skill merge to deliver simple but profound combinations.” Gareth Ostick, co-owner of the restaurant, said: “To be listed at 54th in the SquareMeals Top 100 is a fantastic achievement for us especially as it comes off the back of coming in at 17th (Placed highest in Lancashire) in the Hardens Top 100.
“Our small team works incredibly hard so recognition of this hard work and ambition from the industry is always welcome, it is a real morale booster and helps us to focus for the future. “We'd like to thank everyone who has had a role in helping us achieve our status but most of all, we'd like to thank our customers who keep coming back, as without them we wouldn't have a business.” Chef-patron of Parkers Arms, Stosie Madi, said she was “over the moon” to rank at number 44.
Chef-patron of Parkers Arms, Stosie Madi, said she was “over the moon” to rank at number 44 (Image: Stosie Madi) She said: “We are over the moon to once again be included in SquareMeal’s Top 100. “Thank you to the team for the inclusion and to all that voted for us. Always humbled to be amongst such esteemed company.
"What a lovely way to kick off our 18th year. Congratulations to all who made the list.” The top restaurant in the country was Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham, with Pine in Northumberland, North Wales' Ynyshir, Grace & Savour in the West Midlands, and Ascot's Woven by Adam Smith rounding out the top five.
SquareMeal’s managing editor, Ellie Donnell, said: “It feels extraordinarily telling that Sat Bains' eponymous two Michelin-starred restaurant has been trading for 25 years. "The UK's dining scene becomes more competitive by the year, so for the team to be celebrating a quarter of a century pays testament to its enduring relevance. “Sat's creative tasting menus are brave and unique - taking risks that pay off and interweaving clever surprises - but more importantly they celebrate the joy of eating thanks to a deep-rooted understanding of flavour developed over decades.
A huge congratulations to the team!” Lancashire restaurants in SquareMeal top 100 restaurants 7. Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms, Prescot Road, Aughton SquareMeal said: “Mark Birchall's magnum opus is a stunning example of big-picture thinking. "Birchall's classy seasonal cooking is just the start of what makes Moor Hall special - acres of grounds supply fresh produce year-round, and the whole experience is one that makes you feel very special.
"Add in the gorgeous new forest cabins and there has never been a better time to visit.” 38. The Barn at Moor Hall, Prescot Road, Aughton SquareMeal said: "Were The Barn not overshadowed by flagship Moor Hall, it would rightly be talked about as one of the best restaurants in the country.
"It’s more relaxed, but the attention to detail, conscientious service and top-class produce remain, making this a good way to experience some of the Moor Hall magic without the price tag." 44. Parkers Arms, Hallgate Hill, Newton-in-Bowland SquareMeal said: "Offering feel-good factor by the spadeful, this cosy refurbished inn deals in a three-course, daily changing menu for £55.
"Pies have made the kitchen famous, which are most often served at lunch, like the wonderfully comforting layered creamed potato terrine creation." 54. White Swan at Fence, Wheatley Lane Road, Fence SquareMeal said: "The initial impression is of a modest village pub, but The White Swan boasts a witty and thoughtful menu worthy of its Michelin star.
"The atmosphere is laid back but small batch local produce and technical skill merge to deliver simple but profound combinations." 79. Aven, Camden Place, Preston SquareMeal said: "Driven by the seasons, Oli Martin’s Aven restaurant transforms locally sourced Lancashire produce into extraordinary tasting menus.
"Often with the help of foraged ingredients, tasting menus showcase innovative techniques to rediscover and celebrate the finest North West flavours.".
