The Express - 26th May 2006

A first pub lunch for the queen

The queen was treated to her first pub lunch on an official engagement yesterday.

Her visit to the Inn at Whitewell – a 14th century hostelry set in three acres of grounds overlooking the Trough of Bowland in Lancashire – came during a trip to one of her favourite parts of the country.

Ten years ago she was quoted saying that if she and Prince Phillip had the chance to retire, they would like to settle in the Ribble Valley.

Yesterday she dined from a menu that included cottage pie, apple crumble tart and Lancashire Cheese. She was the guest of honour at a lunch for 50 dignitaries in the dining room of the inn, which has rooms costing up to £156 per night. The Inn also acts as a village local, serving a renowned pint of Copper Dragon ale.