The Whitchaff in Rossendale

Had the Turkey from the Christmas specials followed by the Christmas Pudding. Food was fantastic. Staff are friendly and welcoming. Service was great, no long waits. Lovely pub, very reasonably priced.

Lovely atmosphere, the food was fabulous and the staff are very attentive. No problems at all in recommending this restaurant.

The starter of Black Pudding and Cheese Potato Croquettes with Chorizo and Fried Egg on top was delicious … The steak and Stilton pie was amazing it melted in your mouth … definitely will be back to try something else off the menu

Booked a table for a family members birthday for them to ring and cancel our table an hour before the booking. Needless to say we won't be booking again

I used to love going to the Whitchaff, however the service has gone down hill. We went on Saturday for my other halves birthday. The staff were quick to take our order in fairness and the starters came relatively quickly. The staff weren’t attentive at all, we weren’t asked whether we wanted any more drinks or asked whether everything was okay with our food. Whilst having our mains, my dad had to go and ask for someone to come and get some drinks due to the lack of service. It then took ages for our plates to be removed from the table, they didn’t ask if we wanted dessert menus so I had to ask. Whilst waiting for desserts (for 20 minutes) someone else came and asked us if we wanted desserts. When we ordered some more drinks, one of them was forgotten. Asked for an extra scoop of ice cream with the brownies, that was forgotten, I mentioned it to the waitress who did nothing about it, she just looked at me. After all that, and waiting for a long time, as soon as we had finished desserts, they were there with the bill and rushed us off the table by the blonde bar manager. Food was simply lovely though, just extremely disappointed by the service, especially considering it’s more on the expensive side (costing almost £5 for a cordial and lemonade)…

10.10.24. Arrived for lunch. Starter was great and presented well ( see pic ) . Service : appalling. Cutlery for the main course was dumped on the table ( both sets dumped down together while the server walked off ) . Ordered a drink and had to wait 5 mins whilst staff were stood laughing and joking behind the bar ( the pub wasn't busy ) . Main course: i ordered gammon . The pineapple looked as if it had been been deep fried and was swimming in oil, the mushroom was under the gammon and looked disgusting . No one came over and asked how was our meal; if that had happened , I would have showed them my meal. Overall : terrible and never again . I've been coming to the Whitchaff for over 45 years and this was the worst meal I had ever had .

Excellent food and staff also cosy friendly atmosphere

I arrived at around 2.30pm. No cheery hello greeting just met with a stern looking woman behind the bar. I ordered a drink and paid. Only then to be told “just to be aware we close at 3pm”. No thank you or other pleasantries offered! As a result I felt very rushed and unwelcome. Would have been nice to be told of the imminent closing time before I paid for the drink perhaps?

Fantastic place to eat and drink with friends and family

Really recommend this place for food. Staff very attentive and always smiley. Even when they are not looking at a customer they walk round with a smile on their face. You struggle to find this sometimes. The clear draw for me was the steak and stilton pie. Tasted wonderful on both occasions. Sadly it was on the specials menu so it may be removed further down the line but probably one of the best pies that I have ever tasted. Please consider adding this to the regular menu.

Booked for a family get together. Unfortunately I was running late so arrived 20 mins late. Other people were already there and had already ordered drinks. We got what was almost a telling off by one of the staff for being late. We apologised and took very little time for all of us to order. We were told our table was booked out in 2 hrs time which gave us plenty of time and we had finished and paid with plenty of time for the table to be cleared for the ext group. The problem was the staff trying to rush us, whisk our plates away before we had finished and trying to avoid asking us if we wanted desserts / drinks. I had to call back a member of staff when she took one drinks order then walked off before anyone else had a chance to order. It felt over the top when we were obviously not going to go over time. It didn't ruin our lunch however we won't be returning.

This place is just great! The food is really tasty and hearty. Portion size is solid and just right. The management and staff really know what they are doing, they know how to treat and look after their customers and that in itself seems like a breathe of fresh air. Can't recommend highly enough. Go there.

Really good food and service. Went for a catch up with some old work mates. All were very impressed with the food and service. Would highly recommend. Top class. 👍👍

Great place for lunch Nice and watm on a.windy day.Waitress was lovely.

Lovely place and really delicious food. The ladies were very welcoming upon arrival and made space for us to take a table - suited us fine to have just the one course in the time so no issues there. Drinks and order were taken and delivered promptly. When the food arrived we asked the server for another plate for the children. The server told us to use the plate the gravy came on, which was fine but there were two children. Anyway we ate and then cleaned up the floor/chairs after our children as don’t believe the unaccounted for mess should fall on the service ladies. No one checked on us during the meal (so no Sunday lunch sauces or extra drinks) and we had finished for quite a while before deciding to go to the bar to pay. We got up and our toddler headed towards to door so we went to retrieve him. I made eye contact with the lady behind the bar and made a gesture for the bill… so she came running out from behind the bar to me (it became extremely awkward) I then asked her for the bill directly. She didn’t say anything about her behaviour even though I tried to make light of her approach towards us, nor did she ask us how anything was. Consequently didn’t tip. Started off great but was uncomfortable from the moment the food arrived at the table and making do with what we had in front of us. Sunday lunch really was delectable though! Would eat again if it wasn’t for the rude attitudes.

Excellent food and service in a nice environment with a beer garden for dogs. Staff managed to squeeze us in despite not booking. Need to ring ahead to ensure a table, which we have already done for our next time!

We ended up here when our first choice was too busy and so glad we did. I went for the lasagna and have to say it was the best give had in my life. I was sorry I’d agreed to share with my grandson because it was so delicious! All the food looked great, the service was nice. If I’m in the area again I’ll be back.

I liked the place because of the pleasant prices and very tasty dishes, as well as drinks

Excellent in every way, highly recommended

Nice place, peaceful and a great menu.

Great pub and great food - beer garden was a bonus - if the weather holds up we will be back with our dog - staff great as well - we will back - hopefully for brunch/Lunch

We had dinner on a Thursday evening. It was not too busy and we were seated quickly. The staff were nice and friendly. The servings were big and food was tasty. We have been here quite frequently and they never disappoint. Would definitely recommend.

Amazing food & brilliant views, highly recommended!

I really liked the cocktails, the prices are good and the food is delicious

Great Monday catch up with friends. Professional friendly staff, good choice of meals to suit every taste.

We stopped here for 1 drink unplanned so we hadn’t booked a table. They told us initially we couldn’t sit on a table inside as we hadn’t booked (despite the place being half-empty). Surely it would have made sense to let us sit at a table for people who weren’t arriving until later given it was only early in the afternoon. We would have happily moved at any point for customers who had booked. Anyways, we sat outside for a drink. We found it was too cold so we went back inside. As we were walking to go inside, the blonde haired female bar manager was walking in front of us. Instead of keeping the door briefly open for us, she slammed it shut as she walked in, right in front of an 8 year old. We all had our hands full which made it difficult. It seemed very odd and rude behaviour given she had seen us walking behind her. We asked again if we could briefly sit inside, which again wasn’t met with pleasantries from the manager. The young girl on the bar was friendly and she tried her best, but clearly had her hands tied with her senior colleague. They eventually let us sit down at a table. The one beer I had was poor for the £6.50 price. We won’t be returning, which is a shame as the building looked lovely.

Lovely place with great food and service.

Absolutely delicious, table of four and every meal was tasteful and well priced. The service from Sarah, Becky and Ethan was brilliant too, very pleasant and amazing customer service with a nice smile. I will definitely travel again to come here.

Excellent food, wonderful staff who are helpful and friendly and nice atmosphere. Took my daughter for lunch, then same week went back with my partner for evening meal. Lovely pub with beer garden. Love it. Highly recommend!

Lovely pub with a great atmosphere, great food! Be back again

Always lovely food. Friendly staff.

Family meal food really nice and good service.

We visited the Whitchaff with friends 15.06.24. We had eaten here several times and had recommended it to the friends we were with. When we arrived I confirmed the booking with the pleasant young woman behind the bar. There was a lady at our side of the bar who said ''that's your table'' and pointed to a small table behind her. I turned to my friend and asked her ''Is that okay for you?'' The lady who had spoken then said ''it's the only one I've got'' in a very sharp manner. My friend was clearly surprised by this persons attitude & I was embarrassed by her rudeness. There was another, bigger table for 4 available, but we sat at the one she told us to. My husband ordered a pint of beer. When it arrived it was extremely cloudy. When he asked for it to be changed the same person shouted over the bar ''there's nothing wrong with it - I've been pulling off it all day'' My husband - who previously owned his own micro brewery suggested that maybe the barrel was possibly empty, she stated there's nothing wrong with it, it will settle''. He was given another pint of a different beer & then we watched her pull 2 or 3 pints - all of which were cloudy & then go and change the barrel. I struggle to understand why a member of staff would argue across the room . I asked another member of staff who this person was and was told that her name was Sarah and that she was the bar manager. (just to make sure we have the right person she had fair hair in a short ponytail. ) Needless to say this really spoiled our evening, my friends were extremely disappointed & myself and my husband were thoroughly embarrassed for recommending the Whitchaff. Our bill for the evening was £144.30 not a inconsiderate amount I feel. The food was generally good as was the service from other members of staff. However we will certainly not be visiting again or recommending it to others. I would suggest some customer service training!

Great meal Out with family 15-06 celebrating a birthday brilliant food with lots of variety. We had a table near the window watching the steam train the staff couldn’t do enough for us . The only niggle we had was the table near the bar that was so rude we couldn’t help but keep watching every time they had to communicate with the staff awful people stay home 10 stars from us Whitchaff team we will return !

Excellent friendly inn with freshly prepared food and excellent coffee

Excellent food. Great service. Lovely atmosphere. GO!!!!!!

Bit of a ripped off on the drink prices like £4.30 For a pint of Pepsi cola eell takeing the piss and a small car park

Had a table booked for 8pm on Saturday evening. Ordered our main courses and they arrived, we had to ask for cutlery. We finished and those were cleared away, then all the staff disappeared. Kept looking around for someone, eventually, after 15-20 minutes, someone appeared, we called them over and they took our order. A few minutes later, they came back and said the churro machine is turned off at 9pm. It was now 5 past 9, so if they had come to take our order in a reasonable time, it would have been fine. There are not many dessert choices on the children's menu, and as we had a child with us, he was then disappointed. When it came to paying again, there were no staff around. We could have easily walked out without paying. After hearing many good reports, it was a disappointing experience.

Beautiful food, service was great, 10/10 defo be going back

A little disappointed. Table booked but not ready on arrival. Waited 20mins to order food, then over 30mins before we got it and it didn't all arrive at the same time. Food wasn't the quality we have had before, and a little bland and tasteless. Too few staff for how busy the restaurant was, and it reflected on the overall service.

Had been planning to visit for a while after reading the positive reviews online and visiting their website. However, our visit failed to live up to our expectations. Food average. Nice interior but, despite the splendid looking radiators, the room we were in was very cold. But by far the worst part of the experience was the service.. There were a few customers in when we arrived but I would doubt that it was even close to half full. We found a table just past the bar. 3 other tables occupied with 7 people in this area so this section was not over busy. The menu looked impressive with a good range of choices plus a specials menu. This is one of the things that had motivated us to visit. Prices were not the cheapest but fairly competitive with other establishments. But drinks prices were expensive. A pint of Beira Moretti was £6,.50. Guest IPA £6.40. Guinness £6.00. At least my pint of lime and soda was not bad at £2.60. I went for the Chilli and Garlic Chicken with rice.from the Specials menu. My brother ordered steak pie with chips and mushy pies from the regular menu. The food was at best average. Nothing major wrong with it but, at the same time, nothing to get over excited about. Based on other reviews we really did expect better. My chicken although tasty was very tough and chewy. I struggled to cut some of it. I did mention this to one of the servers when she came to clear the table and, for the only time in our visit, we were asked if everything was alright. She did say she would let the chef know. At this point I would have expected us to be asked if we wanted anything else or at least if we wanted to see the dessert menu. There were at least 4, maybe 5, people serving but no one came over to ask. We decided to wait just to see if any of them would come over as we did want to order desserts and coffees. After a good 20 minutes we gave up and decided to leave. I don't really think it’s appropriate to be shouting out across a room or waving one’s arms about to attract attention. In a place such as this the staff really should be more attentive and checking up on their customers. My brother went to the bar and got the bill. We paid in full without leaving any gratuity. Probably only the second established we have visited in the last few years where we felt the service didn’t warrant a tip. We won’t be returning. There are plenty of other places where your custom is appreciated and they at least try to enhance your dining experience by providing a reasonable level of service. Service here was about on a level that you would expect in a fast food establishment. And the food just wasn’t anything memorable or good enough to have you rushing back. Overall, and I’m sad to say this, our experience was a major disappointment.

Had a great time, good food and lovely atmosphere

Wow, amazing, food was absolutely delicious one of the nicest tastiest meals one ever had, Three Little Piggies a variety of pork with Mac n cheese n salt and pepper fries it's was honestly unbelievably good. Staff were lovely despite the hot weather, boss lady was lovely, the views out back are wonderful, across the countryside, the interior looked really nice too very modern but traditional and cost and clean looking. Perfect meal can't wait to go again !!! thank you!!!! 👍🍺🏞️😎

Food excellent staff superb all round great place to din👍👌

Food was good and other staff all pleasent but the lady behind the bar with grey short hair was quite rude. My 82 year old grandma was asking her for a menu but as she was doing something she just plain ignored her then she was rude to me regarding my dog following me in which I apologised for then was really rude to me when I was waiting for the drinks so much that another person that was stood at the bar actually waited for me to go back outside to say god she wasn’t very nice to you was she. Must of woken up on the wrong side of bed but when your paying for a service u don’t expect to be made to feel like that

Fabulous... Both food and service could mo be faulted. Great find

To long a wait and two wrong meals when it came.we waited an hour and ten minutes for our meal, which we understood due to how busy it was. Unfortunately when it came two meals were wrong and we didn’t want to wait again for the meals to be cooked again so one of our party ate hardly anything. Staff okay about it and knocked two meals off the bill and apologised. It appears that menu is very varied and I imagine difficult to balance when it’s busy. Not sure we would return in a hurry. 060524.. booked for 5 pm, meal came at 620 pm.

Excellent food and service. Louisiana burger was delicious. 😋 Puddings looked good too, but I didn’t have room! There were 9 of us but didn’t cause a problem with the service.

Big portions, hearty pub food. Bit overpriced? But it is the only pub serving food in the local area, so supply and demand innit.

Delicious food and friendly service, just incredibly slow bringing menus etc

Visited 7 times over last 6 months. Absolutely first class. Marvellous staff. Stunning starters. Various friends and family members have sampled most things on the main menu: everyone has been delighted. But I’d like to shout out for one of my favourite dishes if it’s done well- fish and chips. I’m really fussy and often disappointed in other places but the fish here is perfection. Quite remarkable value for money. A real gem in the heart of Rossendale.

Comments regarding the meal at 5.15pm 19.04.24. A very pleasent meal, disappointed when I came to settle bill, accused of telling lies. A more discriptive email sent. I will not step in foot there again because of her attitude

Almost a 5. I could not believe how busy it was on a Monday night but after eating the food, I understand why. The food was excellent and service extremely fast. The disappointment for me came at the end. Now I know deserts are where the profit is but they are also the last thing you remember. For over £7 the Bakewell was extremely disappointing. Not the taste but the size of the slice, too small for the money and to top it off, served on an extremely large plate, which did not help.

Been coming to the pub for years and the pub is looking absolutely stunning since the refurbishment. The staff are super efficient and meals served without a lengthy wait too. I had the gammon steak and my friend Bev had the steak pie . Scrumptious. We both had puddings too. Definitely be returning.

Lovely, friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere and beautiful food.

First time I've been, would definitely go again, lovely food and great atmosphere

Always amazing ❤️ highly recommend xx

We had been to see the Singing Ringing Tree and stumbled upon this incredible place for lunch on the way home. The food was fabulous, the staff welcoming and knowledgeable and considering the high standard of the food, it was excellent value for money. Definitely coming back

Excellent value for money. Large portions of good quality food. Very friendly and personable staff.

The food could have done to be a little bit warmer, service was okay. Nice, friendly staff.

Lovely food, freshly cooked and piping hot!

Lovely place and friendly staff, we both had a special IE stroganoff and lamb on pitta bread, which both tasted a bit bland, then we shared the fairground dessert,but sorry it's deffinatly for the kids it was basically just sweets on a board which didn't do it for me. I would go back and try again and change my review if any better

We visited for the first time, and we were very impressed . Very welcoming and friendly staff.. We were given enough time to read through the extensive menu and the waitress gave us great recommendations.. Cheese and onion pie is fantastic!! Will definitely revisit and look forward to trying many other dishes on the menus,!

Excellent burgers, onion rings, great menu, good choice drinks, lovely staff, not cheap but excellent food, lovely atmosphere. Very welcoming.

Called in for a lunchtime snack, ended up with a full meal. Excellent food and service

Highly recommend the whitchaff inn, it’s a lovely place to enjoy delicious food with family/friends, we try go at least once a month sometimes more depending on schedules. The staff are so friendly and welcoming specially the day time waitresses.

Very Good food,really busy but still not much of a wait after walking in without booking...would book next time tho ...

I had the Malaysian King Prawn Curry. It was delicious.

Very good place, friendly service and excellent food.

I have been eating at the Whitchaff on and off for 50 years. This was my first visit since it's renovation, however it would be better described as 'done down' rather than 'done up' It is now more like a cafe than a comfortable pub. The staff were very polite and attentive and the food was good but not great. I had a tandoori burger that was nice but more just a plain chicken breast on a bun. There was nothing tandoori about it . The rest of my party were quite pleased with their meals and the sides were excellent.

Surprisingly quiet for a Saturday evening but don't let that put you off. Food excellent and any connoisseurs of good old fashioned englush puddings with lashings of custard will not be disappointed.

Just been to The Whitchaff for a family meal with 6 of us and a baby. The service was brilliant, the staff were really friendly and the food for all of us was just, wow sensational. Would definitely recommend and will be back. Fabulous place.

Our first visit today. It had a very modern and relaxed atmosphere. Very friendly staff. Drinks order was taken and served quickly. We had plenty of time to peruse the menu. We chose homemade cheese and onion pie, Louisiana burger, and the halloumi and vegetable fajita tacos. Oh my! Yum, yum, yum! 😋 It was all so tasty and flavourful. We finished with a sticky toffee pudding and 2 cappuccinos . The dessert was recommended by Duelisa. Thank you. You were so right, as well as being really friendly and very attentive. We definitely look forward to working our way through the menu. ❤️

polite and efficient staff, food was absolutely amazing, I ordered the steak, mushroom and Stilton on ciabatta...amazing

Booked a table for dinner here earlier in the year but when we turned up said they didn’t have a table, very disappointed (ended up at Mala, Holcombe). Anyway thought we’d give them another try as we had been in the past. Nice comfortable pub with friendly staff. The food is usually good but on this occasion the pie I had was a bit dry and obviously re heated with burnt pastry, however they pulled it back with the sticky toffee pudding, that’s delicious. Down side, it’s not dog friendly anymore.

Good food,gluten free menu could just have a few more choices.

What a great place, great service and great food.

Excellent lunchtime meal for three of us. Great friendly staff who looked after us efficiently. The Whitchaff was once one of our go-to pubs but for reasons now forgotten, we stopped going. Our visit today has ensured we will be visiting again in the near future.

Wonderful food Excellent service been here before and will be back again

I previously rated at a 5 star, but I can’t help but feel like the owners have become greedy. Hidden service charges no where to be seen on menus or signs, extortionate prices for non alcoholic drinks (orange cordial and lemonade for £4.25?!?). Some staff seem a bit stand offish but others are great. I feel like the more “senior” staff are in the stand offish category. Food is always great, just our last few visits have ended with a sour taste in our mouths due to the points above. What was a monthly visit will sadly now be a visit elsewhere.

Been here three times now for different occasions always good food, and pleasant staff,oh and real ale.

Absolutely disgusted with service booked a table for 3pm didn't get our table till 3.20 pm no cutlery on table had to wait to order drinks until we asked for a member of staff to serve us had to send three meals back Steak was pink and also the Gammon most disappointed as this was for My Daughter in law's 30th Birthday and have the NERVE to CHARGE A SERVICE CHARGE

Food was excellent lovely atmosphere would definitely go again 😋 went for an early dinner

I can not recommend this place enough. Went on the spur of the moment, booked a table online, which was really easy to do. The place was lovely, the staff were really friendly and attentive and the food was amazing. I had something off the special which was to die for, my partner had something off the main menu and two kids had 2 different dishes, we couldn't find any fault in the food. Then we had the fun fair dessert, a sharing dessert that was amazingly prized for what you got and was fun and tasty.

Visited with a couple of friends. Had been a number of years since last eaten here when we were disappointed. The interior of the pub had completely changed. One of our party is vegan and they had a great choice of food. Portions were large. My wife's starter was huge. Good value for money, great choice. We will be back.

Chose The Whitchaff for a get together for Saturday evening. Booked in advance. When we arrived the Restaurant was bustling and many congregated around the bar area. You have to go to the bar to let them know you've arrived which when so busy is probably not ideal.....we waited a little while. However once we'd been attended to and drinks ordered we were seated. A small welcome desk might be better especially for busy times. Food order taken and the starters arrived shortly afterwards.....however we did have to ask for cutlery which arrived swiftly but no serviettes.....so they had to be asked for aswell. The Restaurant was busy and we sympathised with the staff but equally attention to detail is essential. The mains arrived quite quickly after the starters and all dishes were received well by our party of 4. Food wise we were impressed. Drinks prices quite steep though. Staff all friendly; young waiting on staff who possibly just need training on ensuring cutlery is on tables for example......This is definitely a Restaurant now not a Pub/ Restaurant like it used to be. We thought an area just for pre and after dining would be an advantage too.

The food was nice. The Sunday dinner wasn’t on the menu which I thought was a little odd but when we asked they said they did one. The beef was really thin but apart from that it was lovely, as was the starter. The pub has also been done up and looks good. The waitresses were really nice and helpful.

Came in went to the bar, I asked for a table for myself as I required food. Lady asked if I had booked, I said no sorry. All I got was… we a fully booked for food. All I could see is empty tables. Even in the other room, and some people leaving. Very glum.. Not very welcoming service, or any help, like you are welcome to come back in an hour, I will check the bookings!! Nothing.. Not good service! Definitely won’t return. Shame really as they missed a party booking 23+ people as I am the head of WH Smith’s. And I wanted to book a new party gathering in the rossendale area. I have found a better establishment with a welcoming atmosphere.

Not good unfortunately 1. Bottle of wine served with the screw top open 2. Then waited 45 mins to take our food order 3. Ordered second drink order. After 30 mins not arrived. 4. Asked waitress were out drink were she came back and said they lost our order and asked us what the order was 5. Food starters then arrived. 6. Waitress tried to take starter away from one guest before she had finished. 7. Food mains arrived. Ordered 7 mains only 6 arrived. 8. Sat waiting for the 7th main. After some time flagged down a waitress to say a main was missing. Waitress went to check. Came back and said it will be 5 to 10 mins. 9. Missing mains arrived after 20 mins by which time 6 other guests had finished eating. 10. The 7th missing main had un cooked lumps of raw potatoe in the mash, and the pie was not good. So the main was not eaten Overall staff were disinterested, glum, non engaging and made us feel like we weren’t wanted. Will never go again Worst service I have ever ever had!!!

Not good unfortunately 1. Bottle of wine served with the screw top open 2. Then waited 45 mins to take our food order 3. Ordered second drink order. After 30 mins not arrived. 4. Asked waitress were out drink were she came back and said they lost our order and asked us what the order was 5. Food starters then arrived. 6. Waitress tried to take starter away from one guest before she had finished. 7. Food mains arrived. Ordered 7 mains only 6 arrived. 8. Sat waiting for the 7th main. After some time flagged down a waitress to say a main was missing. Waitress went to check. Came back and said it will be 5 to 10 mins. 9. Missing mains arrived after 20 mins by which time 6 other guests had finished eating. 10. The 7th missing main had un cooked lumps of raw potatoe in the mash, and the pie was not good. So the main was not eaten Overall staff were disinterested, glum, non engaging and made us feel like we weren’t wanted. Will never go again Worst service I have ever ever had!!!

Well, it was a bit of a roller coaster experience. It's a big old space and was packed. We were made to wait a couple of minutes for our table despite arriving bang on time. It wasn't cleaned or ready. We ordered two alc free Coronas and they were both near enough room temperature. Really poor at nearly a fiver a bottle!! However, when our starters of sticky Japanese chicken and pulled pork tacos arrived, we were pretty happy. Both very tasty and well presented. Then the mains arrived and all I could think of was....ping!!! I had a fish pie that was so hot, it's hard to believe it wasn't microwaved and then whacked under a grill for colour. Same with the veg, which was way too hot to be freshly steamed. My partner had a steak pie. I have to say, it was really tasty but needed a gravy. The chips though...god what a let down. Dry. Frozen. Just not good enough. Why on earth does any restaurant not buy a chipper and make fresh chips? It's Great Britain, it should be a matter of pride to make proper chips. We ordered two side dishes to go with our meal. Neither arrived and this is despite checking with the waiter when the food was served to make sure they were coming. That's very hard to fathom. Frustrating really. Nice building and some of the food was actually really decent but let down by shonky service, massive oversights (warm beer, missing food) and lazy corner cutting (microwaves and frozen chips).

First visit since renovations. Very welcoming & comfortable, lovely attentive staff & nice food.

Had a wonderful seasonal lunch. Lovely friendly atmosphere. Real country feel. Extensive menu. Really loved Stilton and steak pie special.

Absolutely fantastic food, excellent service, great atmosphere and a great price. The best place to go since you guys took it over. Hats off to the chef, I’ve never been disappointed with any meal I’ve chosen. Keep doing what you’re doing and wel keep coming back as a couple, family gatherings and for a friends catch up. X

We moved to Rawtenstall in 2009 and the Whitchalf was our ‘go to ‘ place for excellent meals and drinks at reasonable prices. I was part of a group of 12 family members that visited last week for a family celebration. It was my first visit since the refurbishment. The interior had been changed significantly for the better. The group consisted of 8 adults and 4 children. I had booked before Christmas for this January meal with a deposit of £60. As soon as we had settled the waitress came over asking for drinks order. There was no drinks menu on the table ( in hindsight we should have asked for one), no customer should have to ask the prices of certain drinks. 4 adults drank wine, 2 adults were driving so had soft drinks as did the 4 children. We asked for the cheapest sauvignon blanc. For lager only Morretti or Coors ( no Fosters, Carlsberg, etc). For the meal all 12 of us only had mains ( no starters and desserts). For the most part the mains were excellent. From past experience the mains seemed to be smaller in size ( perhaps not a bad thing these days) but also much more expensive. The bill was a bit of a shock though. The wine was £32 a bottle ( cheapest bottle?). The Coors £5.50 pint, Morretti £6.50 ( we are in Rawtenstall not Manchester or the Ribble valley) , coke £4.20 pint ? We asked for a childrens burger (GF) and were charged for an adult portion. The total bill was £385 ( 12 mains, 3 bottles wine, 2 pints Morretti, 1 coffee, 1 shandy, and soft drink for each of children. The bill included £35 service charge ( they call it gratuities now) Luckily I hadn’t drunk that much and I noticed the deposit paid had not been deducted and it was sorted quickly. Would I come back? Not just for a drink. Yes for meal but be more careful choosing a drink ( I believe the tap water was ok) This pub is now more of a Gastro Pub not one to just walk in and have a drink. Advice for the customer :- look carefully at the bill and ask for the drinks menu , do not be rushed into choosing. Advice for the pub :- Have a drinks menu on the tables or tell the waiters to issue them when the customer arrives. Lower your prices , it feels like the customer is paying for the refurbishment. There is now a lot of competition in Rawtenstall and you might begin to lose out.

The pub itself was very nice and it is the first time I have been in here since the refurbishment - the previous setting was nice, but it is now very, very nice. The staff were great, pleasant and efficient. I have rated my experience as poor because despite the nice environment, atmosphere and staff, ultimately, we venture out for a meal as a family, so the cost of food and drink is a big factor, as is the value. The cost of drinks was very expensive - I was f drinking pints of Diet Coke (£4.30p), a family member was drinking pints of Moretti (£6.50p), I also sampled a Cask Ale called “Dizzy Blonde” (£4.40p), but the biggest shock came at the cost of a bottle of Savignon Blanc (£32.00p)…………even a J2O for the kids was £3.50p. The food selection was large, and across the family, we ordered a variety of main dishes. I opted for the steak and kidney pie, which came with chips and mushy peas……..this is a dosh I have had on previous visits, and I have to say that despite the quality of the pie being good, the portion size was small, and certainly smaller than my last visit, and this is despite the fact that the cost was (£15.95p), which was a good few pounds more expensive than my previous visit. My son experienced the same with his chicken sizzler - smaller portion, bigger price. Overall, the staff were good, the food was decent, but the portions were small and the prices have increased. Would I go again? Possibly, but if I did, I certainly wouldn’t be ordering a pie or a sizzler due to the portion size. However, I do feel that the price of drinks are excessive - £32 for a bottle of wine is what I’d be expecting to pay in Manchester……..in a pub in Rossendale, I’d be excepting £20, maybe a couple of quid more.

Fantastic place to enjoy a meal or a drink. Waiting staff Fantastic. There were 4 of us that went. My wife, my 2 sons, and I. All enjoyed our meals as they were perfect. Would definitely go again.

Excellent pies but ask about the specials. Sticky toffee pudding is brilliant.

Nice quiet pub with a great menu for food.

Beautiful place for a nice chilled pint