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The Cartford Inn

Lancashire, Little Eccleston - Anglo-French - Restaurant - ££

Funky art-filled riverside restaurant and hotel

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

It may only be a few miles from the brash lights of Blackpool but this remodelled 17th-century coaching inn beside the tidal river Wyre is light years away in style and atmosphere. There are tranquil views of the Fylde plain across to the Bowland Fells, and restaurant tables overlooking the river are always at a premium – although there is much more to engage both eye and palate here. To the rear, a small garden-courtyard, edged by a deli, gallery and jewellery shop, is festooned with painted bird houses, trees strung with coloured streamers and sequinned bunting. Inside, the decor is not so much quirky as idiosyncratic, with an eclectic collection of art and craftwork brightening up the bar and dining areas. It might not be to everyone’s taste but it’s fun and engaging. On the whole, the food matches the setting, with a good selection of seasonal dishes served at wooden tables decorated with whimsical hand-blown glass mushrooms. The menu has serious French...

It may only be a few miles from the brash lights of Blackpool but this remodelled 17th-century coaching inn beside the tidal river Wyre is light years away in style and atmosphere. There are tranquil views of the Fylde plain across to the Bowland Fells, and restaurant tables overlooking the river are always at a premium – although there is much more to engage both eye and palate here.

To the rear, a small garden-courtyard, edged by a deli, gallery and jewellery shop, is festooned with painted bird houses, trees strung with coloured streamers and sequinned bunting. Inside, the decor is not so much quirky as idiosyncratic, with an eclectic collection of art and craftwork brightening up the bar and dining areas. It might not be to everyone’s taste but it’s fun and engaging.

On the whole, the food matches the setting, with a good selection of seasonal dishes served at wooden tables decorated with whimsical hand-blown glass mushrooms. The menu has serious French aspirations, and there's an emphasis on big, bold meat and game specialities such as local wood pigeon saltimbocca, braised pig's cheek tacos and grilled, stuffed lamb’s heart. Prissy it ain’t. The Gallic blow-out entitled 'premeditated gluttony’ needs to be ordered 48 hours in advance and features a ‘grands fruits de mer’ platter that has been described as ‘the best we have had anywhere in Britain or France.’

Concepts are contemporary but avoid falling down too many ‘creative’ rabbit holes – although on our latest visit it was the small things that let the side down (salty and oily potted hot-smoked trout, for example). Our daily fish special, however, was memorable: line-caught wild sea bass from Morecambe Bay, served with vegetables from the garden and a delicate lemony sauce. For afters, the choice might include banana parfait choc ice with hazelnut praline and goat's milk caramel or a ‘croissant’ bread and butter pudding embellished with roasted peach, while the enterprising wine list is noted for its global spread, fair mark-ups and by-the-glass selection.  

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C Donnelly

7 June 2024

This experience did not disappoint in any way. We opted for the gourmet seafood platter, shared as a starter between three, followed by selections from the menu. In freshness, quantity, value and presentation, this was the best we have had anywhere in Britain or France. It should surely be the restaurant's signature dish, it alone is worth the journey. The other dishes we had on the menu were very good. The service was excellent: informal, friendly and efficient. The atmosphere was great because...
This experience did not disappoint in any way. We opted for the gourmet seafood platter, shared as a starter between three, followed by selections from the menu. In freshness, quantity, value and presentation, this was the best we have had anywhere in Britain or France. It should surely be the restaurant's signature dish, it alone is worth the journey. The other dishes we had on the menu were very good. The service was excellent: informal, friendly and efficient. The atmosphere was great because everyone clearly enjoyed their food.
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VENUE DETAILS

Cartford Lane
Little Eccleston
Lancashire
PR3 0YPGB

01995 670166

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OTHER INFORMATION

Accommodation, Private dining room, Separate bar, Outdoor dining, Wheelchair access, Parking, Electric car charging, Family friendly, Credit card required

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