An East Lancashire hotel has been named as as the UK’s ‘foodie hotel of the year’, according to the The Sunday Times ‘best places to stay in the UK’ guide.

The Cartford Inn, near Preston, was recognised in one of the newspaper’s ‘best in class’ categories and it was also listed as one of the top 100 places to stay in the country.

Jeanie Beaume, daughter of the proprietors and worker at the hotel, said the team are “ecstatic” to have been recognised in the Sunday Times guide.

She said: “We’re so thrilled for the chefs. It’s a big thing for them and it will give them a boost for the winter months.”

The multi-award winning hotel, in Little Eccleston, said the Sunday Times recognition is especially good as it is focused on their food.

They added: “We strive towards making great food and we really want to be the best.”

Jeanie added that “being consistent and innovative” may have helped them win the category.

They added: “We’ve always been recognised for having good food and locally sourced and fresh food – and also for changing things all the time.

“During lockdown we didn’t stop even though we had to close and we pushed the food through the shop and our takeout boxes.

“We constantly change and adapt to different situations – and I think that has been recognised as well.

“We’re in a beautiful setting and have stunning décor and what not – but at the end of the day people are coming to us for the food.”

The 17th century inn is run by Patrick and Julie Beaumé, a Franco-Lancastrian couple.

They have taken a dilapidated coaching inn, known to locals as ‘Th’Fooard’, and created 15 rooms, a fine pub restaurant and the TOTI (Taste of the Inn) deli.

The inn’s menu is described as an “expression of Lancashire’s food culture” and a “showcase of the region’s best produce”.

They use local and seasonal ingredients to created British dishes – some of which have a French twist.

Goodnargh duck breast, a Fleetwood seafood plate and spice “Muscade” pumpkin curry are just some food items on their menu right now.

The inn has even attracted the attention of celebrities, as music legend, Sir Cliff Richard, stayed there last weekend before his Blackpool gig.

Jeanie described him as a “true gentleman”.

She added: "He thoroughly enjoyed his stay at the Inn. He really enjoyed his meal with us and mentioned that our staff were a credit to us.

“The first night he enjoyed the inn and the food and the second night he did his gig.”

You can view the full list of businesses recognised over on The Times website.

 

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