Gibbon Bridge Wins Hotel of the Year.

The event was hosted by Granada Reports presenter Lucy Meacock and food and drink writer Ray King. There were 14 categories with winners chosen by a panel of independent judges; Roger Borrell editor of Lancashire Life, Louise Taylor editor of Cheshire Life, Lancashire Life’s cookery editor Philippa James, Rosemary Watts a highly regarded food consultant, Trevor Stone AstraZeneca’s past head of catering operations, and Ray King, food and drink writer. The judges spent several months visiting dining pubs, restaurants and hotels and were overwhelmed by the number of outstanding and committed establishments, chefs and producers the region has.
We were delighted when Gibbon Bridge was shortlisted for the Lancashire Hotel of the Year along with The Spread Eagle at Sawley and The Ashton at Lancaster. We were even more delighted when The Gibbon Bridge was announced as the winner for the third time; having won before in 1996 and 2004. The new Orangery, built this year, and the fine food, sourced from the kitchen gardens and local suppliers, had obviously impressed the judges together with Janet Simpson’s (the sole proprietor and owner) commitment to excellence.
Janet “We were delighted to have been shortlisted for the Awards and are absolutely thrilled to have won for the third time. With the addition of the Orangery we seem to have been on a winning streak this year – long may it continue!”
Other winners from the Ribble Valley included Lisa Allen of Northcote Manor, North West Chef of the Year, and Johnson & Swarbrick Lancashire Food Hero.