What's New For Lancashire Diners

Quick Bites

The Red Pump Inn at Bashall Eaves near Clitheroe has reopened after a major refurb both inside (with Indian stone floors, hardwood tables and sumptuous tapestry fabrics) and out (with new gardens). The Red Pump has also been selected by the AA as one of Britain's Best Pubs in their 2008-2009 guide. . .The Freemasons Arms at Wiswell has closed but chef-proprietor Ian Martin may be moving into outside catering. . .Celebrate St George's Day (or any special event) in style with a whole suckling pig for up to 12 people at The Fisherman's Retreat at Ramsbottom. More details from the restaurant which also now has its own brand of single malt whisky on limited release. . .Surprise menu dinner on the last Sunday of every month at The Longridge Restaurant. £30 for 5 courses and an aperitif. . .The Southport Food & Drink Festival runs from May 15-18. . .Winners of the 2008 Northern Hospitality Awards -- Reg Johnson (Special Achievement); The London Carriage Works, Liverpool (Best Restaurant); The Pipe & Glass Inn, East Yorkshire (Best Newcomer); Lisa Allen at Northcote Manor, Langho (Best Chef); The Shoulder of Mutton, Kirkby Overblow (Best Pub); Lowry Hotel, Manchester (Best Hotel); Eyck Zimmer at the Lowry Hotel, Manchester (Best Chef Mentor); Barlounge, Chester (Best Bar); Northcote Manor, Langho (Best Wine Offering). . .Flagship Italian restaurant San Marco has opened at Much Hoole, south of Preston -- part of the Italian Orchard group. . .Duk in Preston is opening a second venture in the heart of the city -- a hacienda-style wine lounge with their famous tapas nibbles. . .Celebrate Easter Sunday Lunch at Blackpool's Imperial Hotel. 3 courses, £15 (£10 kids, children under 5 eat free). Includes free photo, easter egg and bouncy castle for the kids. . Upcoming events at Raineys Bar & Restaurant in Denshaw -- Spanish tapas and wine tasting (Mar 27), Weekend dinner dance (Apr 10), St Georges Day menu (Apr 25). . Twelve in Thornton has been awarded a second AA rosette making it the only restaurant on the Fylde Coast with two rosettes. . .Party mights two Fridays every month at The Cedar Tree in Newhey, near Rochdale. Dinner and live entertainment for £34.95. . .Wine Tasting at the Gibbon Bridge Hotel near Chipping April 25. Gourmet dinner, fine wine, accommodation and breakfast for £130pp. . .The White Bull in Ribchester has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand. . .The Duke Of York at Grindleton had a major refurb and now has a restaurant feel and top restaurant-quality food from an award-winning chef. . .The Three Fishes at Mitton has scooped fifth place in the National Gastropub awards. . .The Dicconson Arms in Wrightington has picked up the Marstons Chef of the Year 2007 award. . .Live Greek music nights on the last Thursday of every month at Sokrates Taverna in Horwich with dancing to Zorba the Greek, a bellydancing competition and singalongs. . .Jack's At The Island is now open on St Annes seafront offering casual Med-style dining and some of the best sea views in the northwest. . .Full refurbishment at the Bulls Head in Delph. . .Eat 'Around The World' every Wednesday and Thursday at The Waterside in Littleborough with dishes from Italy, Spain, Greece, Mexico and China. . .Ribble Valley Council is working on a new Ribble Valley Food Trail featuring restaurants, pubs and shops. . .Tapas restaurant Room 47 in Ormskirk has now been totally refurbished. . .Cookery classes now on offer at the Craven Heifer. . .New Italian restaurant La Scala has opened in Clayton-Le-Dale. . .Live entertainment every Friday at The Wheatsheaf in Woodplumpton. . .Check out the live entertainment on every week at the Hop Pocket in Chorley. . .The Freemasons Arms at Wiswell, near Whalley, has won a Routier National Wine List of the Year award. . .Salwick's Windmill Tavern has reopened after a major refurb and has a new head chef formerly with the Angel at Hetton. . .New fine dining Indian restaurant Jali has opened within Blackpool's Best Western Carlton Hotel. . .