WE all know Lancashire is famous for breathtaking scenery, sporting prowess and friendly folk - but now it's the dawn of the gastropub.

What is a gastropub?

"A venue which combines imaginative, upscale cooking techniques with the casual dining experience of a pub."

The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub Awards are voted for by top foodies and hospitality experts from across the country.

Votes are cast in a poll of hundreds of industry experts, including top chefs, food writers, pubco chiefs, pub-guide editors and top suppliers.

Food and drink editor Nicholas Robinson adds: “Getting on this list is the jewel in the crown for foodie pubs across the UK. It’s the place to be seen.”

Well, we've got FIVE nestled away in Lancashire.

And here they are:

Freemasons at Wiswell - #4

Website: http://www.freemasonsatwiswell.com/

Lancashire Telegraph:

"Nestled in the Ribble Valley, Freemasons at Wiswell, combines country pub, shooting lodge, a slice of gentrified refinement and adds a twist of contemporary creativity and flair to create the perfect setting for a memorable gastronomic experience."

The Freemasons, Steven Smith’s elegant Lancashire gastropub, is on a roll. As well as being named the UK’s Best Food Pub at the annual Great British Pub Awards last year, it’s climbed two spaces higher on the Top 50 list.

The Parkers Arms - #13   *highest climber

Website: http://www.parkersarms.co.uk/

Lancashire Telegraph:

"A contemporary country inn. The perfect destination to eat, drink and sleep in the heart of the Trough of Bowland. An enjoyable experience for the whole family, even your very well behaved dog is welcome."

The Parkers Arms in Lancashire is this year’s Highest Climber, shooting up a whopping 35 places from 48th to 13th – no small feat.

The Inn at Whitewell - #21

Website: http://www.innatwhitewell.com/

Lancashire Telegraph:

"The Inn at Whitewell is an old fashioned rural Inn, welcoming to all, providing 23 bedrooms of some glamour, seriously good local ingredients cooked well and a noteworthy selection of drinks."

The Inn at Whitewell is one of Lancashire’s premium country inns and, as well as having a stellar food offer, it has 23 boutique hotel rooms perfect for lengthy weekend getaways.

The Assheton Arms - #22

Website: http://seafoodpubcompany.com/venue-promotions/the-assheton-arms-downham-clitheroe/

Lancashire Telegraph:

"Winner of a number of awards, including Lancashire Life Dining Pub of the Year, Lancashire Tourism Awards Pub of the Year and Ribble Valley Tourism Team of the Year, this historic Grade II listed village pub is in the untouched conservation village of Downham."

The Assheton Arms makes its well-deserved debut on the Top 50 Gastropubs list this year.

The White Swan - #48

Website: http://www.whiteswanatfence.co.uk/​

Lancashire Telegraph:

"The White Swan in Fence is a local pub that serves food, Timothy Taylors award winning real ales & wines so fine that you will probably do a little dance of delight when you sample them."

To put it simply, the White Swan in Fence is a local pub that serves food, real ales and fine wines. Nothing more, according to the owners. Yet to the keen observer, this is a statement that reeks of modesty.