Tucked away in the quaint hamlet of Mitton, less than an hour from Manchester, The Three Fishes restaurant is a beacon of 'culinary excellence', boasting stunning views over the picturesque Ribble Valley. The culinary maestro behind this gastronomic gem is Chef Patron Nigel Haworth, who honed his skills for over three decades at the Northcote restaurant, earning it a coveted Michelin star.

His mastery is palpable in the delectable menus, which feature ingredients harvested from the restaurant's own garden. Signature dishes such as wild garlic risotto, pig's cheeks with white asparagus and Yorkshire rhubarb grace its Farm to Fork tasting menu, which is available in five or seven-course options. The Choice Menu, on the other hand, tempts diners with exquisite offerings like tempura scallops, cornfed chicken and Shiitake lasagne.

As expected, the Sunday lunch takes centre stage during the weekend, presenting a selection of Hereford sirloin of beef, venison ragout, and market fish.

Given the Ribble Valley's status as the 'UK's capital of gastropubs', it's no wonder that The Three Fishes has become a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts, reports the Manchester Evening News.

But the allure of The Three Fishes extends beyond its culinary prowess. It also boasts an 'exquisite' beer garden, offering patrons breathtaking vistas of the Ribble Valley.

This unique feature earned the restaurant a spot in The Telegraph's list of the best pubs with secret outdoor gardens, as chosen by the UK's leading chefs.

Atul Kochhar, the culinary genius behind Mayfair's modern Indian eatery Kanishka, has sung praises for The Three Fishes, extolling its gastronomic prowess.

He said: "Nigel's transformed this destination pub-restaurant into a hub of culinary excellence."

His admiration for the place doesn't stop there. "His two-acre organic garden offers a diverse range of vegetables, fruits, and herbs that are used in the restaurant."

Furthermore, Kochhar expressed his esteem for Nigel's impromptu menu creations, he said: "I have great admiration for his spontaneous approach to menus, which always showcases the freshest ingredients straight from the garden.

"He has ever-changing seasonal dishes - you never know what will be on the menu."

The establishment's appeal is magnified on clear, sunny days as noted by The Telegraph: "The pub's exquisite beer garden has plenty of spots to eat, drink and take in the Ribble Valley scenery, perhaps plotting your next walk to work off all the grub."

Ribble Valley isn't just home to exceptional gastropubs—it offers a vast expanse of beautiful countryside treks within its miles of breathtaking landscapes.

Only a short jaunt from The Three Fishes lies the verdant Forest of Bowland, presenting a picturesque tableau of rolling hills, tranquil valleys and swathes of moorland. One can also ascend Pendle Hill for an unrivalled view of the locale.

Those seeking a more accessible adventure can undertake a journey along the Ribble Way, starting near The Three Fishes and tracing the meandering path of the River Ribble towards Clitheroe to the north.