ECO-FRIENDLY LUXURY

Tedd and Liz Walmsley visit The Cartford Inn to check-out the luxurious new cabins that most definitely have the ‘wow’ factor

Liz and I love our trips to the Cartford Inn, ideally located at the historic crossing of the river Wyre. It epitomises everything you’d expect from an award-winning pub, restaurant, deli and boutique hotel and we were thrilled to learn of their recent inclusion in the UK’s top 50 Gastro Pubs at the recent ceremony.

The emphasis has always been on impeccable, enthusiastic service, great food and drink served up with passion, style and always an element of quirkiness and fun. We arrived on a wet and windy Monday afternoon – the fires were warm and inviting, matching the enthusiastic welcome from the team.

This trip however was to stay and review the incredible new ‘cabins’ recently opened to universal approval and the latest addition to the existing accommodation. They are architecturally fascinating as well as being very eco-friendly and have a true ‘wow’ factor both inside and out.

Patrick enthused about the sourcing of materials which ranged from the wood flooring from a Liverpool mill to antiques and retro furniture sourced from both France and more locally in Blackpool! The overall effect is truly stunning and the detail exquisite. Make no mistake, the gadgetry and electronics are state-of-the-art and in evidence throughout but discreet all the same. Sonos is complemented by vinyl and a retro record player and it wasn’t too long before Liz and I had Bob Marley singing to us and pot of fresh coffee brewed. We sat outside on the heated balcony overlooking the river and beyond to the Bowland fells, and literally had to draw breath – we were so blown away by the cabin.

Julie Beaumé is of course a great champion of art and in particular local artists, and this was evident in ‘Robins Nest’ one of the two cabins and our home for the night. The thought and detail of the John Ditchfield glass art alongside work by talented local artists gives an eclectic feel nonetheless and worked incredibly well together.

The second cabin, ‘Ziggy’s’, is a true homage to Patrick and Julie’s love of all things Bowie and is decorated with more Ditchfield objets d’art and a stunning Bowie 3D holographic artwork as a centrepiece. If you’re not a fan don’t worry – the theme doesn’t overpower, it’s an interesting backdrop and very much a talking point over dinner.

Both cabins have had significant input from local craftsmen – another key philosophy of Patrick and Julie who champion, where possible, working with local talent. We were fascinated by the well-appointed bathrooms and the use of what’s known as ‘Moroccan plaster’, which gives an incredible but unique effect on the walls. The cabins are a great example of how new technology can be combined with retro themed furniture and art. There are lovely touches such as a selection of the new chocolates available at TOTI (the onsite deli) and a plate of local charcuterie – just another example of the attention to detail which simply adds to the overall experience for guests – for Liz and I they certainly achieved this.

Dinner that night in the restaurant was sublime, the inn always has a great vibe and a full house on a Monday night is testimony to that – I just had to try their classic French onion soup, piping hot, oozing with cheese and utterly delicious. Liz chose the special that night, a beautiful hearty piece of hake sitting upon a stew full of flavoursome chorizo and beans – feel good food and perfect for a chilly winter night. Much as we shouldn’t, we succumbed to sharing a sweet butter scotch crème brûlée. What a way to finish our meal – absolutely decadent and divine!

Make no mistake these cabins are going to be popular and in high demand – please check the website for availability.

The Cartford Inn
Cartford Lane, Little Eccleston PR3 0YP
01995 670166
www.thecartfordinn.co.uk

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