Café Culture
Lucy Bale discovers some hidden gems in the Ribble Valley
Georgonzola
The perfect spot for a casual lunchtime wine (it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?) and a carefully curated cheeseboard – either tell George what you’d like from his selection of British cheeses or let him pick for you. If that’s not your thing, try a freshly made toastie on locally made artisan bread with George’s homemade sauerkraut, washed down with their own blend of coffee from the Exchange Coffee Company! I brought a bottle of Pet Nat and some goat cheese home with me, neither of which survived the evening!
15-17 Lowergate, Clitheroe BB7 1AD
Breda Murphy
I never thought I’d use the words ‘gorgeous’ and ‘business park’ in the same sentence, but here goes! Breda Murphy’s new premises is nestled in the gorgeous new Mitton Road business park, a slice of Ribble Valley community. I found it hard to choose from their selection of bakes but settled on the most perfect piece of Tunisian orange cake. Whilst you’re in there, have a look at their delicious range of ready meals. The ideal solution for a tasty tea after a busy day, I should look to stock up!
Unit 51 Mitton Road, Whalley, Clitheroe BB7 9YE
Studio Bakery
You know you’re in for a treat when you walk in and you’re greeted with the aptly labelled ‘naughty fridge’! I spent the best part of 30 minutes perusing their selection of home baked sweet treats, trying to justify why I just HAD to try every one! In the end I whittled it down to a slice of carrot cake, a Biscoff wheelie biscuit, some millionaire’s shortbread and some tiffin – on reflection, I probably need to work on my self-control. Their pick’n’mix selection of bitesized treats probably would’ve been better for me to get my sweet fix in moderation!
The Bake House, Lincoln Way, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 1QD
The Old Station Cafe
This one is for the train enthusiasts, located in what was once Longridge train station! A dog friendly cafe makes it a great place to call in for a tasty treat for both you and your furry friend. I thought I’d give the coffee a rest and had a delicious strawberry milkshake with an almond slice – a strange combo but the heart wants what the heart wants. I will definitely be back to try one of their lunchtime salads!
Old Station Buildings, Berry Lane, Longridge PR3 3JP
Delicious Deli & Cafe
A great pit stop just off the A59 if you’re nipping between counties! Plenty of homemade cakes and pastries to choose from as well as some local deli delights to take home. I couldn’t resist their selection of quiches – again, something I never thought I would say – and ended up with two doorstep wedges – chicken and chorizo and blue cheese, bacon and leek. If I could marry a quiche, the chicken and chorizo would be my soulmate.
11 Park View, Gisburn, Clitheroe BB7 4HA
The Chocolate Works
A well-established ‘chocolate and coffee’ cafe in the centre of Clitheroe, their hot chocolates made from half a bar of chocolate and milk reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s river, are not to be missed. Their homemade chocolates make the perfect gift for a loved one or just for yourself! I couldn’t resist taking some chocolates home to share with my granny – creme brulee was a joint favourite!
40 Castle Street, Clitheroe BB7 2BX
