The Inn, Lancashire

The Bowman family have run the Inn at Whitewell, Lancashire, for the past 30 years and pride themselves on giving customers the personal touch. "We know most of the people who come to eat and drink here," says Richard Bowman, former county cricketer and Whitbread regional director. "But if a stranger books in, we like to think he is treated as a friend from the moment he arrives." The ancient inn, situated deep in Lancashire's picturesque Trough of Bowland, has a loyal following who come to enjoy its laid-back atmosphere and civilised environment. The hotel's 17 letting bedrooms are individually designed and liberally furnished with antiques and assorted curios. "Design is probably the wrong word," Bowman explains. "They've all come together over the years but none are the same. "Some have four posters, sofas and period bathroom fixture and fittings, far removed from your average hotel chain bedroom," he says. "We set out to give people a relaxing time whether they have called in for a meal or simply to enjoy a pint of cask beer." The pub has no plans to expand its bedroom numbers for fear of losing its renowned personal service. "I think 17 rooms is quite enough. If we had more we would probably have to employ somebody walking around in pinstripes and holding a clipboard. "We would lose the intimacy and the friendliness on which the whole business has been developed," he added. The Inn at Whitewell is leased to the Bowmans by the Duchy of Lancaster, which owns large amounts of land in the district. "Luckily we have a very long lease so hopefully we will be here for quite some time," said 70-year-old Bowman, whose son Charlie is now the hands-on operator. "My wife Pamela and I still do the odd shift but Charlie is the real mainstay nowadays. "Business is excellent at the moment, both in the restaurant and the letting side where we have a 90% occupancy rate over the year. "We run our own wine business which compliments the restaurant side very well and also do a big trade in weddings over the summer in our outside marquee. "Its nice to be featured in a hotel guide which is so independent and a little different from the run-of-the-mill books.