A NORTHERN WELCOME AWAITS
This Garstang hotel is steeped in history and celebrates its Lancashire heritage in many ways, not least with its warmest of northern welcomes, writes Kate Ford
Many readers will be aware of the Garstang Country Hotel and Golf Course, sitting just outside the picturesque market town and surrounded by beautiful Lancashire countryside. Not so many, though, may know the history of this family-owned hotel where a tradition of friendly service brings guests back time and again.
The hotel is still owned and run by the Ibison family who built it in 1995.
The Ibisons came to Garstang in the 17th century, originally running a dairy farm on the land where the hotel and golf course now stand. Like many other old buildings in Garstang, the farmhouse was built using stone gathered from the dismantling of Greenhalgh Castle in the mid-1600s.
Centuries later, in 1995, the family built the town’s first and only golf course and three years after that they opened the hotel, which was built using the same reclaimed stone. Some of this takes pride of place in the reception area where it surrounds the fireplace.
The hotel has 33 en-suite bedrooms, several function rooms and two restaurants. The 18-hole pay-and-play golf course is popular with both locals and visitors and has several groups of guests who come back year after year, from Scotland, the Isle of Man and even the Middle East.
So, what makes visitors come back time and again? According to the hotel manager, Chris Wood, it’s down to the staff. “The owners really value the team here and that is reflected in the warmth and friendliness that everyone shows to our guests,” he says. “Guests regularly comment on the welcome they receive and how much they’re looking forward to coming back.”
The hotel has lots to offer locals too and is a popular venue for weddings, private parties and corporate events. “Our main function room can seat up to 300 people and there are stunning views of the countryside, the golf course and the River Wyre,” says Chris. “We’re currently taking bookings for Christmas parties, Christmas Day and all our other festive events.”
The hotel’s two eateries are the main restaurant and the more informal Bradbeer Brasserie, named after Richard Bradbeer, the former professional golfer who designed the golf course. In the Brasserie, the stylish, contemporary furnishings surround a traditional inglenook fireplace to create a relaxed atmosphere, with the added bonus of those fabulous views.
The menu celebrates the hotel’s Lancashire roots, using locally sourced meats from Honeywell’s, locally produced bread and milk, and cheeses such as the famous Garstang Blue. Choices include the signature Bowgreave Burger and homemade Lancashire Butter Pie, alongside classics like Lamb Shank, Honeywell’s Sirloin and Seared Salmon.
For a game of golf, a private event or a delicious meal out, the Garstang Country Hotel is your perfect home-from-home, with great service and a very friendly Lancashire welcome.
Best Western
Garstang Country Hotel and Golf Course
Garstang Road
Bowgreave, Preston PR3 1YE
01995 600100
www.garstanghotelandgolf.com