A Lancashire hotel and restaurant is celebrating its 40th anniversary next week.

Gibbon Bridge Hotel and Restaurant in Chipping, which hosts weddings, parties and functions, will be marking the major milestone on November 28.

Forty years in business is an incredible achievement, and one that owner and proprietor Janet Simpson, with the support of her team who have been with her since the very early days, has worked extremely hard to bring to fruition.

The team has ridden out the many challenges that have faced all hospitality businesses over the years, and the last two years have been no exception.

But they are now excited about taking the business forward and welcoming both new and familiar faces back to Gibbon Bridge to experience all it has to offer - whether it be a lunch, family celebration, short stay, or wedding.

Ms Simpson, who grew up on her family’s farms and knows the value of hard work, said: "When we first set out I had a vision. But I never thought we would get to this."

Opened by TV celebrity Russell Harty four decades ago, the hotel back then had just six bedrooms and a restaurant in what was formerly a farm building.

But now, Gibbon Bridge Hotel features beautifully manicured lawns, an award-winning bandstand, a kitchen garden and stunning contemporary orangery and conservatory – not to mention 30 individually designed luxury suites and a restaurant renowned for its fine food. 

Ms Simpson was particularly pleased to recently have been awarded Lancashire Hotel of the Year in the Best Kept Village awards - another accolade to add to the collection received over the years in recognition of her hard work and foresight in developing a small family farm into the beautiful luxury hotel it is today.

The achievement will be celebrated with a party for present and past staff members who have worked for the hotel for 10 years or more.