A Michelin-starred chef has vowed to make an East Lancashire pub the best in the country – 17 years after he first opened the doors to the business.

Nigel Haworth first took-over The Three Fishes in Mitton in 2004, transforming it over the course of a decade from a derelict shell into one of the UK’s most iconic pubs – winning multiple awards for its food and service.

Renowned as East Lancashire’s original Gastropub, the pub was bought by Chester-based restaurant chain Brunning and Price in 2018.

Lancashire Telegraph:

However less than a year later the group closed the Three Fishes because it was too close to its other food pub in Mitton, The Aspinall Arms.

The venue has been sat on the market ever since, until the news broke that Mr Haworth would once again take charge at the iconic venue.

He said: “This just feels like the right project for me. I feel a strong attachment to the pub as it was my first venture into the Pub market – so in many ways it feels like coming home.

“With an amazing team behind me, we will be building on the original magic of The Three Fishes alongside my drive for sustainability and local sourcing at the forefront.”

The building, located in Mitton, is steeped in history and connected with the Pendle Witch trials. The trial judges stayed in the building on route from Read Hall to Lancaster.

“It’s an incredible building that deserves to be enjoyed, and we are looking to bring back a special dining experience for visitors in a real pub, with great food served with style and enthusiasm,” adds Haworth.

Plans in place include an acre site for an Orchard and an abundant permaculture plot to provide sustainable produce for the pub to deliver his farm-to-fork concept.

Mr Haworth adds: “Everything starts with the best ingredients, so as well as working with the best suppliers, we will also be growing our own. We are blessed with fantastic local producers and suppliers – all of which we will be working closely with to develop seasonally focused menus.”

The new venture at The Three Fishes has been created in partnership with Martin Aspinall, trustee of the Standen Estate. He said; “With Nigel at the head of an amazing team, we are excited to develop a new and exciting dining and entertaining experience that will grow on The Three Fishes historic success.”

With work commencing imminently, the Three Fishes will launch for diners in October 2021, opening 5 days a week. 

Having held a Michelin-star for over 20 years, chef Nigel Haworth was born in Whalley, Lancashire. From his initial training in Lancashire, he embarked on a culinary journey covering London, Scotland and Switzerland, before returning home to take over the kitchen as Head Chef at then Northcote Manor in 1984.

By 1995, Nigel was celebrating the Egon Ronay Chef Of The Year award. Just a year later, he gained his first Michelin star, which he has retained ever since.