Lancashire's Ribble Valley is "Britain's finest jewel" says Grace Dent

Guardian restaurant critic Grace Dent described the area as "the magical Ribble Valley . . . hiding in plain sight as Britain’s finest jewel for the tourist-who-does-dinner."

Dent, who is also a guest judge on MasterChef, waxed lyrical about the area describing it as an excellent place for a break, with many fine foodie pubs and comparing it favourably to the Lake District.

She added: "Let the hordes head farther north, because that way the Lancashire pubs of Wiswell, Mitton and Waddington remain calmer and uncluttered, providing world-class service."

The Parkers Arms at Newton-in-Bowland and the Assheton Arms in Downham, near Clitheroe, were singled out for particular praise as "God's own gastropubs".

The full review is in Saturday's Guardian