At The Heart Of The Community
Nestled in the folds of the Lancashire hills, and steeped in history, The Anchor Inn is a thriving hub of the local community, writes Gail Bailey. Photography: Kirsten Platt
Sitting idyllically by the Leeds-Liverpool canal in Salterforth, The Anchor Inn has been at the centre of the community for many years and with a roaring log fire, real ales, great gins and fabulous food it is easy to see why.
Having been taken over by Lee Hughes just prior to lockdown it was a quick turnaround to assemble a huge tepee to allow outside socialising and dining, and this continues to be the perfect outside space: “The tepee at The Anchor Inn is stunning,” says Lee. “It’s ideal for country dining and the perfect spot for lazy afternoons or an evening of alfresco cocktails.”
The tepee has been a fantastic addition to The Anchor Inn and can also be hired for team meetings, business lunches (a projector and screen are available) or for family get togethers and special occasions.
The pub dates back to 1655 and was rebuilt in 1795 when the Leeds-Liverpool Canal was constructed nearby. It has long been a haven for walkers and those passing through on the canal but now attracts more customers, both local and from further afield, to enjoy the fabulous food (recently highly rated by the Food Standards Agency) and wonderful ambience created both inside and out: “The Anchor Inn has such a rich history,” Lee adds. “It used to be called The Travellers Rest and is famous for the spectacular display of stalagmites and stalactites that have formed over the centuries in the cellar vaults.”
At the height of the pandemic Lee and his team were keen to support the community. They delivered over 200 children’s free packed lunches in the first week when schools were re-opening, as it was very obviously an anxious time for many: “Being supportive to local families was important to us. We have a strong ethos of putting the health and wellbeing of our staff at the heart of our business,” Lee says. “This extends to our customers and to the local community.”
Like its partner pub The White Bull at Gisburn, a ‘Bottomless Brunch’ and fabulous afternoon teas will be on offer during the Jubilee Bank Holiday. If you are taking a stroll along the canal, want to enjoy the Jubilee celebrations or just want to relax in the long summer evenings in the perfect spot, then The Anchor Inn is looking forward to welcoming you soon.
The Anchor Inn
Salterforth Lane, Barnoldswick BB18 5TT
01282 850055
anchorinnsalterforth@hotmail.com
theanchorinnsalterforth.co.uk
