Lunch yesterday with a friend at The Longridge Restaurant. What a wonderful meal, so many different flavours in one meal. The staff are attentive but not intrusive.We were given canapies in the bar and then enjoyed the delicious lunch. The chef's is to be highly commended. Can't wait to go again.

I must start by saying that I had heard that the Longridge restaurant came close to shutting not long ago...thankfully it is still very much alive and kicking!! We loved Olive Press Manchester and had always wanted to try Paul Heathcotes Lancashire hotspot - the setting is beautiful, the food (especially the duck terrine starter) was superb and the deal of 3 courses and bottle of wine for £50 per couple is a bargain. Chris Bell and his team deserve their kudos! Hopefully it will be here for a long time to come!

Chris Bell is an affable fellow and an excellent cook. I attended a cookery course at the Longridge with about 10 others in their Private room with all kitchen mod cons. In 2 hours he'd cooked 3 game dishes of venison, mallard and pheasant with numerous vegetables and sauces to accompany them, giving us useful tips along the way. Nothing too fancy but plenty to have a go at in your own kitchen. Afterwards you get to sample the dishes around the table. An excellent 3-course Champagne luncheon was then provided in the main restaurant. The menu was Smoked Salmon with potted Morecambe Bay Shrimps - which was excellent. The Roast Loin of Venison, which Chris had shown us how to prepare earlier and finally a Raspberry Souffle with ice cream - very calorific but delicious. Overall at £75 not cheap but an enjoyable experience, and if you're not interested in the cooking the set lunch at this jewel of a place, with helpful friendly staff, looks excellent value.