The Calf's Head in Ribble Valley

This was not our first visit to the Calf’s Head but it has to be the best meal we have ever had. It was a large family gathering and despite the size of the party the service was friendly and efficient. Looking forward to a return visit, hopefully not in the too distant future.

We've only just discovered this eating place. The food was plentiful, the choice of dishes was wide, the service was efficient and friendly. All in all, an enjoyable experience. We'll definitely be returning.

I have been to the Calfs Head several times in the last few years and have never been disappointed except once but that was made up despite an obnoxious waiter. My recent visit was a family meal. The meal was exceptional as was the service. It was a busy night but that didn't faze the staff or the food quality and left me thinking how do they do it. I recommend the Calfs Head whatever the event or numbers. This to me is one of the premier eating places in the area.

An overnight stay at the Calfs Head is just about ok, if the cleaner pads the bed…. The staff are friendly and helpful which drags it to average but the rooms are in desperate need of modernisation and investment. My biggest issue was the comfort of the bed, the mattress was incredibly uncomfortable, springs in my back with no support, clearly very old and in need of replacement. I’d actually tried padding it myself with thick hoodies and the cleaner must have realised as she offered to pad it with another duvet which helped a great deal. Probably saved this being a 2/5 review. I’d urge the owners to buy new mattresses as an urgent investment as poor sleep is a sure fire way to bad reviews and unhappy guests. There is a tv but in our room it was very small and high up on the wall. There is a dated, large sized, clean bathroom and tbf the shower and bath was really good with hot water and good power, better than some premium hotels. Breakfast is ok. Selection of cereal and small cooked breakfast to order with filter coffee in a nice setting. We were at a wedding and the pub give you a key, nice that they don’t worry when you come back etc. you are reliant on others being quiet as the noise can travel, once one is up etc… Unfortunately, I would not stay here again as it is but I really think that with some reinvestment this could be a lovely place to stay.

1st time here for Sundays dinner very friendly staff and 1 of the best roast dinners I've had in a very long while ...... Very Tasty fresh & hot food..

Went here recently for Sunday lunch with family.The pub was busy- usually a good sign.We had a table in the large conservatory.I noticed lots of bits of food on the floor- not a great first impression.The menu was huge- not always a good sign.I ordered fish and chips. It was the worst fish and chips I have had for a long time and not cheap either at £ 17. The fish was ok but the chips were awful and mushy peas tasteless.I left most of it. For dessert I had “ homemade” sherry trifle.it came in a glass topped with artificial whipped cream.The custard was too hard,the sponge tasteless and the fruit out of a tin.I left most of it. The rest of our family party were underwhelmed by their meals as well.Why this pub gets generally good reviews for its food is beyond me.The Ribble Valley is blessed with many great pubs serving food of a high standard.Sadly the Calf’s Head isn’t one of them.

Visited yesterday with a family party of 28. We were given 3 tables in the lovely lower part of the room. I was very impressed with how efficient the staff were. Nobody was waiting for food, and everyone on each table got their food at the same time. Food was lovely as usual, and there was a great choice of meals and desserts. The gluten-free menu had lots to choose from, and i was told that the gluten-free fish and chips were really good. I was a little apprehensive with it being such a large party on a Sunday, but i needn't have been as it was a really pleasant experience. Would highly recommend.

We visited for late lunch for my husband’s birthday. The food was really good as always. A lot of Pubs particularly in the Ribble Valley have food that sounds wonderful in the hyped up description on the menu, but often doesn’t actually deliver. The food at the Calf’s head is unpretentious ,British Pub food of a good quality ,and excellent portion size. I had 3 starters instead of a main meal, it was a mistake due to the portion side. I had Samosas, there were 5 on the plate. I would have expected 3 maximum. I had chilli garlic prawns , again an excellent portion and oven baked garlic mushrooms. The mushrooms were the best I have had anywhere. My husband had meat and potato pie , which he thoroughly enjoyed. We had desserts, one Ferrero Rocher cheesecake which was lovely and one Manchester tart( reminiscent of school dinners but much nicer). It’s not fine dining, the presentation is plain but for good old British Pub food, it’s some the best in the area.

Up to usual standard Sunday lunch with friends was very good. The packed car park tells how popular the hotel is- we quite easily got a table and prolific amount waitresses meant e didn’t have long to wait. Drinks and excellent service made the event an enjoyable experience. Frequently use the Sister restaurant in Burnley and can’t fault either.

Really good pub, good food and beer , staff all good and helpful , large garden area however the decking area needs attention and I wouldn't even try using the seats , to be honest it lets the place down, outside anyway.

Not been looked after this well in a long time. Good food + good service. Large portions. A choice of 22 desserts. An attention to detail I haven't witnessed in a long time. Keep up the excellent job. Will be back when we in the area again.

Really gorgeous area and premises - we’d booked to eat elsewhere but seemed very popular for food. Good service and staff. Lovely breakfast. Room 2 was spacious and lots of tea and coffee, but bed was broken, leaning, springs sticking in your back - when I reported this in the morning (there is no one on site during the evening so couldn’t ask to change rooms) they said they’d look at it. No apology or offer of a free drinks or anything so I knock off one star. Also were told to let ourselves if home late - I expected they meant after midnight - we arrived back at 1030 thinking we’d have a last drink and it was all locked up. But, very nice overall and I would go back (with assurances the beds were new!)

As always, amazing service with attentive friendly staff. Food was tasty, well cooked, most certainly not over cooked, and generous in portion. Facilities clean and well kept. A place we often visit due to the standard always being consistently high.

Had tea out tonight for valentines and as usual didn't disappoint. We had a three course meal, we've eaten here many times but tonight we tried something we wouldn't normally chose - a seafood platter sharing board, there was plenty on it and the fish was cooked to perfection, all three courses were really good , good portions good tasting food and the staff are great too very attentive and friendly and always consistent it never disappoints

Attended for a family birthday, the place was packed and service incredible. Excellent meals served for everyone, a definite return visit soon. Food delicious and piping hot.

Went for lunch and all the food was excellent. The roast turkey festive lunch was well cooked and tasty with the generous selection of vegetables. Spoilt for choice with the menu for starters, mains and desserts. Atmosphere was great and comfortable with excellent service. Busy restaurant but plenty of waiting staff. Excellent car park.

Fantastic as always fabulous food and heart breakfast ❤️ welcoming staff extremely accommodating of dietary requirements

A lovely room for the night and a great bar with fantastic staff, highly recommend by me and my other half

Had the Christmas menu on a mid week visit. Best description was School dinner. Over cooked sprouts, boiled potatoes, soggy roast potatoes, turkey roll sliced on a machine all swimming in congealing gravy. Sherry trifle had no sherry and best described as cheapest ingredients available had been used. Staff were pushed with one member trying to be funny but came over condescending and rude. Won't be returning.

pudding was incredible and so were staff! Music was good and amazing service from grace who deserves good tips!

Nipped in for dinner after phone booking. We tried booking for 7pm but were offered times either side which were fine 'as a lot of people had booked for 7pm' . Surprising for midweek we thought but after leaving we were not surprised. Nice place, good ambience, was busy and great food. We both had specials : first up the Lamb Henry (with mint sauce) which was a new one for me as I usually associate a 'Henry' with either a hoover or something from my younger days.......Anyway told it was like a shank and it was very tasty. Other half had the steak and mushroom pie which looked beautiful and she confirmed it was,both with mash and veg albeit given alternative choices of either chips or new potatoes (not always offered at such places). With 2 pints of lime and soda £40.60, excellent value for delicious specials (bit shy on the mash) and would defo recommend.

I have eaten here many times and if I'm going to eat out (which isn't often These days) I would always come here. The food is absolutely amazing and always cooked to perfection. The staff are very friendly and most welcoming which really adds to the pleasure and experience of going for a nice meal. My only niggle is that the chips tasted like frozen chips which let it down slightly which is why I never gave 5 stars but had there been a half button I definitively would have awarded 4.5 stars. I'm looking forward to going back. Well done to all the staff.

One of the nicest rooms we have stayed in and the food in the calfs head Worston is worth the visit alone. Service first class. Nice central position for touring NSEW. Second visit but may return again.

Visited for Sunday lunch whilst on holiday nearby. Read a few reviews, and all found this excellent value for money. Booked a table, we arrived early, and staff happily accommodated us. Extensive gluten-free menu compared to a lot of pubs and restaurants so made me very happy. My partner had roast dinner with turkey, which was the best cooked turkey I and he had tasted. I had fish and chips from the gluten-free menu. Mine was so good. We went back a few days later to eat it again. Extensive choice of gluten-free desserts, which also makes a refreshing change. Staff are very smart and all very friendly. The dining area is spotless and tables very clean. If in the area, I would recommend this above all other locations.

We booked at the last minute a table for 9, we'll definitely be back! The food was amazing, portions generous and tasty. The staff were really friendly helpful and attentive, the decor was beautiful.

Stopped for lunch as we were passing through....... What a lovely welcome. Lunch was from an extensive menu and portions were bigger than expected. Caters for all tastes. Service was great and the food was delicious. Would definitely come back if in the area.

Best to book beforehand as gets busy even though it was midweek. Extensive menu with great selection. Excellent service with good quality food. Excellent car park. Very dog friendly

Service was really good. The meal was really good too. However, I had asked for my mushrooms to be served separately from my steak sandwich. They were served in a separate ramekin and cooked to perfection. However,once I had started to eat the last mouthful of them, I felt something crunchy ! I felt it rude to have emptied my mouth but didn't feel the experience of swallowing something i wasn't sure of ! When I did find the offending foreign object, I found it to be something made of metal. I quietly raised the issue with the owner, who said it was probably tinfoil! Well, to be perfectly honest, I didn't really believe that myself and think that it was some metal pan scrub that hadn't been rinsed off because it wasn't soft but really quite harsh and sharp. There was no matter of concern from the owner, in my opinion. It was just matter of fact to the owner. There was no offer of a reduction of the bill, and I didn't want to cause a fuss, so I didn't pursue it. But I have had a very similar experience a few years ago with a similar issue. Good food, but just be aware. A shame really because the food (apart from the metal )and the staff were good. Hence, I did leave a tip but only for the attentiveness of the staff serving.

We only moved to the area (Clitheroe and Barrow) 18 months and 10 months ago. I called in for a coffee a few weeks ago and the lovely barmaid showed me the menu and encouraged me to have a look round in the conservatory etc. She was very personable and a credit to the Calf’s Head. Needless to say I was impressed! Seven of us had a superb lunch last Sunday. It was my birthday but also Father’s Day. Despite how busy the restaurant was our meals and service were first class. We had requested a round table as it’s easier to chat for such a number. We were fortunately shown to a round table. It was great - and all the staff were exceptional. One of our party had the children’s menu, three of us had the Sunday carvery lunch. The others chose off the extensive main menu. It was all delicious, as were the desserts. We had never seen such a long list of puddings. I had lemon meringue pie - fantastic! We had coffees outside as the weather was lovely and the boys ran about and had fun in the large gardens. We weren’t rushed at all and basically had a brilliant day! Thank you - we will be back!

Had a Family night for our return to Australia and as we have been there for every bon voyage party we decided to go again and we certainly weren't disappointed. We had a wide range of meals including starters , mains and desserts and they were all large servings and great quality. Our combined dinner was a lot cheaper than what we expected considering what meals we had.... I suppose the highlight meals were the Lasagne, Sirloin Steak cooked to perfection , my wifes Lemon Meringue pie was to die for..The other dessert was the Banoffee pie which was spectacular with my Grandsons Girlfriend stating it was so!!!!

It's very pleasing to find a Gem of a place to stay when away from home, regardless of your reason for your stay. The Calf's Head is one of those Gems that tick the boxes. Stayed here on Business & will definitely come back to stay when up in the North West again. Want to bring my Wife here for a weekend getaway sometime as well. Staff are very accommodating, coutious, and attentive. The food is very good, especially the Full Breakfast, being a Lancastrian, the Black Pudding is a must, so you need to ask for it, together with Fried Bread! For those who don't know what either are, TRY first, then ask what it is!! After a stay here you will not leave disappointed! 👍 & ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We ordered food they forgot, or lost the order 6 other groups got served before us when we asked about our order they rushed it through we were at the pub 1hr long than anticipated, so lost interest in the moment and drove home would not go again

After last time we had to return as the food is so good,there's a lovely garden to sit and have drink as well.Highly recommended

Been here several times and enjoyed the meals and good service but when I went recently something sadly went wrong. I had a very mediocre starter and then I waited and waited for my main meal I got fed up of waiting and walked out. I was going to have my 80th birthday come family gathering there in August but because of the service or lack of it I'd hate to take friends and relatives there and get indifference service

a night away with friends, including dinner.Excellent...the menu is traditional, but the food is marvellous..shared camembert, goats cheese on crumpet,sea food platter with smoked salmon, prawns.pate lancashire hotpot,beautifully served, by great enthusiastic staff..in a lovely dining room with coutry views.

We had an excellent meal with family last night. Everything was perfect. Standard serving of fish and chips was huge. Fresh, crisp, piping hot. Staff are very efficient and pleasant. All in all a great meal and evening. We will be back.

I visited here as a group of 22 and had the 2 course set menu for £21. You had a choice of a main and a desert. The food was excellent quality and generous portion sizes. They were very good at dealing with a large...

We had tried a couple of other places locally but they were full so when we came across this place on our way home we thought we’d give it a try. We were seated immediately in the long room to the right of the bar...

main meal was good,but a big letdown was the sweet,i had sherry trifle it was 90% custard cost over £7 wont be having a sweet here again

Visited this restaurant today and what a surprise it was. We hadn't booked but straight away we were shown to a table without a fuss, drinks were served within minutes by friendly welcoming staff. Food was fresh and hot and very enjoyable. TBH its a...

Called in for the first time on our way to our caravan. This is a lovely old coaching inn just off the A59 between Clitheroe and Gisburn. Staff are very friendly and the food was delicious. My wife have a very good fish pie with...

We had a small family celebration at this venue, they could not have been more helpful in every way, all of the staff were excellent and very attentive without being over the top. Food was excellent, tasty, well priced. Could not ask for more. Would...

I took a coach party (40) to Calf’s Head as part of an excursion. Absolutely amazing! The food and service was amazing. We even had reserved parking for the coach. As the driver I hadn’t pre ordered but despite this they were able to accommodate...

What a great find this was ,it had every thing we needed and more. The choice of food was excellent and the staff were very accommodating, could do with a lounge to sit in comfortably after the evening meal with friends.

Well just come home from a superb meal out at lunch. Menu selection and choice was fantastic. Excellent customer care. Desserts to die for.Great car park. Nice to see a restaurant with such attributes

Entered a competition to win a valentine's meal The food was delicious and all the staff were attentive and friendly We will certainly be going back to try some of the food on the normal menu

I had recently had a Sunday lunch here and as I wanted to enquire about my 80th birthday meal thought I'd have lunch, it was excellent, best plate meat pie I've had for a long time and nice Syrup sponge and custard for dessert. Both...

We called on what we thought would be a quiet day, a Thursday in January. Not a bit of it, there was a funeral party and a bus party there when we arrived. Despite that we were quickly seated at a table and orders taken...

Lovely pub and hotel. Room was adequate and clean with a comfy bed and good shower. The breakfast and staff were great. Not far at all from Clitheroe.

Lovely place, beautiful food, friendly staff. Large portions. Probably a bit more expensive than other places but the portions are of a very good size. Lovely setting.

Took my 85 year old Mum on 18th November as we were staying locally at my friend’s caravan for the annual Harrogate ‘Knitting and Stitching Show’. We arrived at 4pm and were greeted by the most amazing staff team. We were told that the main...

Since moving to the area a few months ago we have been meaning to come here for a meal, and on an impromptu drive up the A59 to Ilkley we called here on the way back. We hadn’t made a booking but were shown to...

Had such a lovely meal- this was my first time at the calf’s head and I was so pleasantly surprised about the menu variety, particularly the vegetarian options. The pub itself if very cosy and clean, plus the staff were excellent. Plenty of parking and...

My Mum and Dad always have a meal here when visiting the area and strongly recommended it. We went with them just this weekend. It's one of the tastiest meals I've had in a long time. We all loved our choices, the conservatory was warm...

Visited for Sunday lunch today. Great food at a very fair price Friendly, polite and very efficient staff. Good cask beer and a lovely venue in a beautiful location. One hot tip: arrive with a good appetite, the portions are very generous!

First but not the last visit. Food, hospitality and venue were absolutely excellent. Choice on menu stunning with a special mention to the dessert menu which is a selection of everything that’s great in the world of classic restaurant desserts

Lovely friendly staff and brilliant tasty meals, very generous portions too. Spent several days over a week eating here and every meal went down a treat, nothing was too much to ask. Credit to all the staff and chefs in particular as this week also...

Me and my Mum went for tea tonight as a treat, the staff are all lovely, friendly and can't do enough for you. Food was lovely too, we both had a burger, only complaint would be we couldn't finish them 😂😂

We would like to thank the calfs head for everything they did to make our wedding day so perfect. We had a small intimate wedding with the ceremony held in the conservatory and evening drinks under the gazebo in the gardens. The whole day and...

I was camping in nearby Ediston and the conditions were absolutely perfect. But I'd seen the weather forecast and knew what was coming overnight and more importantly the following morning when I was due to pack away. So I decided to retreat to a nearby...

Lunch with friends and good conversation at least distracted us from the food we were eating, resulting in some uncompleted meals which raised no comments from the Staff who served us. The Staff were all very pleasant but no-one actually asked any of us if...

Not been here for quite a number of years as it had got dated and tired. So glad we found out it had been updated and refurbished so we could return and enjoy the delicious food and the super friendly and helpful staff. Had a...

My partner and I have visited here many times in the past and it is usually excellent, however it wasn’t as good on this occasion. It could well have been because the owners were on holiday. We dined here on Saturday 9 July 2022. As...

Nice location. Old fashioned traditional restaurant. Service was efficient, but a smile might have been nice. I ordered the “ moderate” portion of fish and chips instead of the alternative “Worston Whale” size. It was a very small piece of fish and therefore not a...

This is a great country pub. The dining room was full on a Wednesday evening, and the place was swinging. I made a special request to store some Barolo, which was accommodated with ease. Overall, exceptional charm and value - well done Dan and the...

Visited today to celebrate my oldest son's final exam. Despite being busy, the service was fantastic and the food amazing. Excellent gluten free selection including children's menu. Friendly staff who were attentive and couldn't do enough. Great value for money. Would definitely recommend. My young...

My wife and I have just celebrated our golden wedding anniversary with friends and family at the Calf’s Head in Worston. We choose this restaurant because we have eaten here many many times and the food is always amazing. From the moment you enter the...

Called in on our way back from somewhere with the dog. Seated, and served. Never disappointed here. Lovely food, amazing choice, top notch staff. Dan always looks after us. He’s amazing. Love the usuals from the menu and also love trying new stuff. Really good...

Fantastic meal, great beer and brilliant friendly service. Highly recommend. Please support local restaurants/ pubs as this was amazing!

Had this recommended and if you’re looking for very good traditional pub food, it was. Extensive menu with all the usual pub grub suspects and a range of specials so plenty of choice. I did wonder how they could provide all this and suspected microwave...

Great food, large portions and never disappoints. We visit regularly and would treat The Calf’s Head as a go to. The portions are a great size for the price paid, always good quality and truly pub grub! The restaurant, when busy, can be very warm...

Roaring fire was perfect to sit in front of after a walk in the snow. Rooms were lovely, clean and comfortable. Dinner was fabulous, as was breakfast the next morning.

Good location for your party's. a lovely garden to sit in and not far from the location of where the film, Whistle Down The Wind was made.

Very disappointing booked on the Saturday 8th after seeing the advertisement for Sunday lunch. On arrival was shown to our table once we were seated and ready to order we were told that roast beef was no longer available there was only Turkey. (Come on...

We hadn't been to the restaurant for a while and it has been refurbished to a high standard. We had booked a table and were taken into the dining room straight away and the waiter took our drinks order. There is an extensive menu, the...

We went here Christmas day and it was lovely. Table in the conservatory all set beautifully,, food lovely, and no I'm not a friend of the owner.

Don’t eat here on Christmas Day unless you are friends with the owner. You will be given the worst table and crap service. At a cost of £85 a head plus extra for drinks extra the calf’s head ruined my Christmas

Lovely place for a family meal, with lots of menu options to suit all dietary requirements. The chips were ‘proper’ chips, the food took the right amount of time to arrive and everything was just so well done, hot and fresh. I did feel £12...

A very good menu great quality and plenty of it at a very reasonableprice !!! Friendly staff and a warm atmosphere!

Recently ate at this venue having been numerous times in the past. Have to say the newly re-furbished conservatory is now very swish ! with an excellent view of Pendle Hill. The menu here is extensive with a huge choice and all very competitively priced,...

Went for dinner on the recommendation of a friend. Dinner was ok, nothing special. 5 different members of staff asked if we had ordered dessert despite stating we had only just finished our mains and would like a rest! Then staff started setting up for...

My partner and I have eaten here many times over the years, whenever we’ve been up in the Pendle area and, once again, after eating here on 23 October 2021 - nothing changes and it is just as fantastic as it has always been. Furthermore,...

On a short break in the Ribble Valley,the Calfs Head was recommended to us while shopping.Telephone call secured a table.We were seated in a pleasant, airy conservatory.Drinks arrived promptly.Chilled wine in a clever ice pack cooler,a refreshing G and T from a quirky list.All the...

I came here today with the children and was greeted by a lovely young man. All staff where friendly and welcoming from start to finish, they even brought Halloween pictures over for my youngest to colour. Amazing food, service and atmosphere, I can’t wait to...

This is a lovely bright well appointed establishment. We were greeted upon our arrival and shown to our table for dining right away. The menu was very comprehensive and the portions were as generous as we had heard. One of our party was not pleased...

Brilliant friendly service, very welcoming. Stayed with friends for their wedding and nothing was too much trouble. Super food, great beer, comfortable

We enjoyed a lovely couple of days at the Calf’s Head. It is set in a beautiful location which we would have explored further had we had more time. The King's Suite was perfect for our needs and the spa bath was very relaxing after...

Whilst staying in the pendle area we noted several walks with food at the end.....well good pubs. This particular 2 mile easy walk led us to the Calfs Head in worston. Very easy to find in a beautiful hamlet. Large garden and conservatory area ....

First visit to the Calf’s Head and we will definitely be back. My husband and I had the cheese and onion pie which was lovely and we had sticky toffee pudding and Manchester tart for dessert. The Manchester tart was amazing and we had a...

We were looking for somewhere to eat on our way back home from a birthday trip to Skipton and found this place on Tripadvisor. Situated in the quaint village of Worston (look out for the sign on the A59 as the village and pub are...

Booked a lunch for four people, online booking easy. Obviously a popular lunch venue. Food was excellent., if anything, portions too big. Although busy, staff coped well, and were very pleasant and efficient. Wouldn’t hesitate to return here, pity the weather wasn’t better, to have...

We came for lunch food was brilliant and the staff were amazing nothing was too much trouble. We will definitely be back.

I couldn't wait to come back to the Calfs Head after Having such a lovely stay here early June this year. It didn't disappoint. Everything as regards to this Hotel is just perfect for me. I love the little village it's in, the setting, the...

We went to the Calf’s Head for a birthday meal with friends, a party of 5. We met in the garden before our booked time, came indoors to be seated and waited, and waited, eventually giving our orders in, then waited and waited and waited...

This pub has it all. Friendly, helpful staff, delicious food and a beautiful garden area. We enjoyed sitting out in the beer garden after a tasty lunch. We also had a fabulous evening meal and stayed the night. Our room was small but clean and...

Went to this pub for early evening meal,the weather was good so we sat outside in the beer garden which is a lovely setting. I ordered the large fish and chips but when it arrived the chips under the fish were swimming in grease so...

We stayed here first time in June for our son wedding an then again in July 4th both times we really had a great time the staff are very helpful and the food well you don't get small portion here good choice on the menu...

Called on our way back from the Lake District today for a brief respite drink - couldn't believe how stunning the beer garden was and will be back to stay here for a couple of nights.

Visited on 8th July with friends for lunch, What a lovely place, Looked beautiful out side with all planters. Then wow we went inside absolutely lovely. ambience, staff and food was excellent.Sat in consevatory with lovely views.Could no fault anything. Will definately be returning would...

The quality and quantity of food was absolutely exceptional. I stayed here overnight recently. I can honestly say that I had the best fish and chips I have ever eaten and am likely to eat again. The piece of fish (I chose “modest” size) was...