The Millstone, Mellor – Hotel Review
By Helen Johnston, April 2025
When heading west out of Yorkshire in search of a scenic alternative to our own beauty spots, it can be tempting just to aim straight for the Lake District and ignore what lies in between.
But that means missing out on the hidden gem of the gorgeous Ribble Valley, sandwiched between the Dales and the Lakes in our old red rose rival, Lancashire. This lovely landscape is not as showy as its national park neighbours but has a charm all its own. There are green rolling hills, sheep-dotted fields, and the kind of narrow country lanes that make you breathe in as you’re driving along them.
I hadn’t heard of the Ribble Valley, much less visited it, when I received the invitation to stay at The Millstone, an old 17th century coaching inn in the pretty village of Mellor. The inn is part of the Daniel Thwaites chain but retains a character all its own. There’s a homely feel to the place, helped by the dog’s bowl just inside the entrance for thirsty four-legged guests, and a welcoming atmosphere. The manager Rachel Andrews was at reception and greeted me straightaway with a friendly smile.
A nice touch was the fresh milk she handed over in a flask to take to my room, which avoided me having to use the long-life sachets. They’re fine in an emergency but the fresh stuff always makes a better cuppa. And tea being a gateway drug to biscuits, it was great to see a jar of homemade shortbread sitting on the tray by the kettle. Perfect after a day of seeing some of the local sights.
“Additional treat”
I was lucky enough to be in one of the hotel’s two suites, so on opening the door I stepped straight into a cosy living room, complete with comfy sofa, TV, and soft lamp light. A table held a tray with mugs and the usual choice of tea and coffee but with the additional treat of a Horlicks sachet – first time I’ve seen that in a hotel room. Next to this was a silver-coloured rotary dial phone, which brought back memories of the green one which stood proud on our hall table when I was growing up. It was a tad disappointing to discover the numbers on the hotel version were push buttons and couldn’t actually be dialled.
One of the lamp bases was an upright silver duck which added to the country style décor. This theme continued into the bedroom where a tweed throw adorned the bed, which was facing another TV. The spotless bathroom (the free-standing bath was positively gleaming) boasted a selection of toiletries from The White Company, the kind of quality that makes you feel like you’re being pampered.
The hotel is certainly stylish but still has those quirky features found in old buildings, such as the dip in the well-trodden stairs down to the bar area. Through here is the restaurant which has been awarded two AA rosettes thanks in large part to the seasonal menu created by head chef Kyha Taws. Using local produce where possible and sustainable fish, the wide-ranging menu has vegan and vegetarian options and caters for other dietary requirements. The sun was still shining outside so I decided something summery was called for and started with a dish of Mistoliva olives, followed by the House Caesar salad. This was a generous bowl of gem lettuce with bacon and anchovies, shaved parmesan and a halved boiled egg to top it off.
An example of food at The Millstone, Mellor
“Proof of its popularity”
I was stuffed when I’d finished but in the interests of research, I decided I had to try a dessert as well. I’ve given up chocolate for Lent so I went for the lemon posset with raspberries, meringue and some of that light-as-air shortbread, made to Kyha’s own secret recipe. The Chardonnay wine washed all this down very nicely. For those who prefer beer there is a choice of Thwaites ales, along with local and guest ales.
It was a Sunday night and there was a great atmosphere in the restaurant and bar area, where two dogs were being very well-behaved as their owners enjoyed a night out. After all the gloom around about struggling hospitality venues, it was heartening to see how busy it was. Rachel took over as manager last September and said trade was going well. “We get people from the village coming in, who see it as their local, as well as visitors and hotel guests.” Proof of its popularity has resulted in two awards so far this year – a Lancashire Tourism Dog Friendly Business award, and 2025 Ribble Valley Hospitality Business of the Year.
The breakfast menu the following day was also excellent, with a wide range of cooked and cold options. I had a bowl of fruit followed by warm croissants which were among the nicest I’ve ever eaten. The pot of tea was also good, and I say that as a self-proclaimed tea connoisseur.
Room example
“Magnificent views”
The Millstone’s 23 bedrooms are all styled differently, and there are also two meeting rooms. The hotel is within easy reach of various attractions in the area including Brockholes Nature Reserve, which is literally just off junction 31 of the M6. It’s amazing how such a thriving natural environment that’s home to birds, insects, amphibians and plants, can exist so close to a busy motorway. This former quarry has been transformed into wetland, woodland and grass habitats and features a floating visitor village where you can learn about the different wildlife.
If you prefer to take in some of the local history, Clitheroe is a good place to start. This charming town featured in the Sunday Times 2024 list of best places to live and is watched over by the small but mighty Clitheroe Castle. You only need to climb up as far as the castle grounds to get magnificent views across the town and surrounding countryside to the hills beyond. Built in the 12th century, the castle was used as a prison during the Wars of the Roses and the Lancastrian Henry VI was held there briefly in 1464 after the Battle of Hexham. Thankfully, Yorkshire folk can wander free around the town now.
Mellor has its own share of history with a church dating back to 1829 and a well-kept war memorial opposite The Millstone. On my evening stroll round the village, I was amazed to see a terraced house called the White Rose cottage, complete with a stained-glass white rose in the panel on the front door. A sign of a Yorkshireman living in exile perhaps?
The Millstone, Church Lane, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7JR
Telephone: 01254 813333
For information on rooms and restaurant prices, go to millstonemellor.co.uk
Helen Johnston has been a journalist for more than 30 years, working for regional and national news organisations. She began her career on a weekly paper in Lincolnshire and then worked for daily papers in Yorkshire before going freelance and working for national organisations, including the Daily Mail and Take A Break magazine. Helen has also been teaching journalism for 15 years and is currently a lecturer at the University of Salford where she teaches multimedia journalism and media law. She has enjoyed making the move into online journalism and now specialises in travel, theatre and book reviews.
