Business Details
35 Years
experience
Rufford Arms: Lancashire's Premier Restaurant & Hotel
Rufford Arms has been a cornerstone of rural Lancashire's hospitality scene since 1991, proudly operated by the Lockwood family. Our restaurant showcases the finest locally-sourced ingredients, blending traditional English cuisine with contemporary gastropub innovations to create memorable dining experiences. Nestled between Liverpool and Preston, our 14 individually designed en-suite bedrooms offer comfortable accommodation complemented by award-winning breakfast options and curated dine-and-stay packages.We embrace our role as custodians of local heritage while maintaining modern standards of excellence, evidenced by our commitment to seasonal menus, accessibility for well-behaved pets, and partnerships with nearby cultural attractions. With over three decades of hospitality expertise, we combine family tradition with professional service to ensure every guest experiences the warmth and authenticity that defines Rufford Arms.
Services
Restaurant
Hotel Accommodation
Wedding Venues
Event Hosting
Gift Vouchers
Special Offers
Children's Menus
Funeral Packages
Spa Access
Canal Tours
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- Family-operated since 1991 with deep local knowledge and hospitality expertise
- Menus featuring seasonal ingredients sourced from trusted north-west producers
- Dedicated dog-friendly areas with special pet amenities
- 14 individually designed en-suite bedrooms with modern comforts
- Strategic location offering easy access to Lancashire's cultural and natural attractions
Services
Restaurant
Our restaurant serves contemporary gastropub cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients. We offer seasonal menus featuring traditional English dishes alongside continental influences, with special options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with dietary restrictions. The menu changes regularly to reflect local produce availability.
Hotel Accommodation
We provide 14 individually designed en-suite bedrooms with king-size or twin beds, modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, and breakfast options from 7:30am daily. Selected rooms accommodate pets for an additional charge, with special packages combining accommodation and dining experiences.
Wedding Venues
Our venue hosts weddings for up to 140 guests with exclusive use of the hotel and restaurant. We offer wedding breakfasts featuring local cuisine, evening receptions with bar facilities, and outdoor patio areas for special celebrations. Full venue hire ensures privacy for your event.
Gift Vouchers
We offer flexible gift vouchers redeemable against accommodation, dining, or special packages. These make ideal presents for birthdays, anniversaries, or special occasions, with denominations available to suit different budgets and preferences.
Special Offers
Our seasonal promotions include dine-and-stay packages starting from 92.50 per person, breakfast deals, and themed dining experiences. We regularly update our offers to provide value-added experiences combining accommodation, meals, and local attractions.
Questions
What dining options are available at The Rufford Arms?
We offer seasonal menus featuring locally-sourced English cuisine with continental influences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Our restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily with special children's menus and event-specific packages.
Can I book accommodation with you?
We have 14 en-suite bedrooms available from £90 per night, including twin, double, and family rooms. Selected rooms accommodate pets for £10 per night, with breakfast options from 7:30am daily and special packages combining accommodation with dining experiences.
Do you host weddings and special events?
Yes, we host weddings for up to 140 guests with exclusive venue hire. Our packages include wedding breakfasts using local produce, evening receptions with bar facilities, and outdoor patio areas for celebrations.
Are pets allowed at The Rufford Arms?
We welcome well-behaved dogs in designated areas with special pet amenities. Selected bedrooms accommodate pets for an additional £10 per night charge, though pets are not permitted in restaurant dining areas.
What nearby attractions can guests visit?
We're near Rufford Old Hall (0.6 miles), Martin Mere Wetland Centre (3.6 miles), and Mere Sands Wood nature reserve (2 miles). Our location between Liverpool and Preston provides easy access to cultural attractions, countryside walks, and coastal destinations.
Reviews (6)
Una Kavanagh
Jun 21, 2022
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Came with Husband, Daughter, Son-in-law and two Grandsons to celebrate Fathers Day. Staff are polite and welcoming. Food was brilliant. Would definitely recommend and will visit again soon.
Sarah Carruth
Jun 11, 2022
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We stayed at the Rufford Arms as it was near to where a friend was getting married. Whilst enjoying a drink at the bar, we noticed how nice the dinners looked that were leaving the kitchen. The staff did their best to find us a table but they were fully booked. Not wanting to miss out on the food, we decided to sit outside. It was well worth it! The food was delicious! I haven't enjoyed a 3 course meal that good in a long time!
The staff are a credit to the hotel. They were all friendly and the service they provided was top notch! The bed was so comfortable and the room met all our basic requirements. It is a 3-star hotel so we didn't expect luxury. Breakfast was nice and even though according to my email check out was 10am, we were able to check out at 11. 10am was too early after a day of drinking and dancing! If we ever have another wedding to attend in the area we would be more than happy to stay here again.
The staff are a credit to the hotel. They were all friendly and the service they provided was top notch! The bed was so comfortable and the room met all our basic requirements. It is a 3-star hotel so we didn't expect luxury. Breakfast was nice and even though according to my email check out was 10am, we were able to check out at 11. 10am was too early after a day of drinking and dancing! If we ever have another wedding to attend in the area we would be more than happy to stay here again.
Mike Maple
May 25, 2022
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The food is always so well presented and tastes great. The restaurant is modern and minimilist, clean and spacious. The staff are an example of how servics should be and they all make the visit a pleasure. The special service and setting makes this a great place to eat.
Sarah Coley
May 23, 2022
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Nothing special. Tired towels and bedding. Bland food but good bar service. Stayed for one night to enable a meet-up with relatives.
Valerie Hinchliffe
May 04, 2022
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A delightful little inn and restaurant surrounded by beautiful countryside. Came here with a small coach party for lunch. The bar and restaurant are clean, bright and spacious with stylish modern decor and there are tables outside. Accessible downstairs toilets. The barman and waiters were very courteous and we were well looked after. And we could not fault the meal! Six choices for each course, with vegetarian options.
I had garlic button mushrooms topped with Lancashire blue cheese, followed by salmon with asparagus spears and beetroot potato rosti. The food was top quality, fresh and beautifully presented, with generous servings, and there was a side dish of lightly cooked mixed vegetables to accompany the main course. My dessert of homemade waffles with strawberries, ice-cream and Belgian chocolate sauce was delicious! Good wine too, and not too expensive. A very relaxed and enjoyable meal. Would recommend this place as a lunch venue.
I had garlic button mushrooms topped with Lancashire blue cheese, followed by salmon with asparagus spears and beetroot potato rosti. The food was top quality, fresh and beautifully presented, with generous servings, and there was a side dish of lightly cooked mixed vegetables to accompany the main course. My dessert of homemade waffles with strawberries, ice-cream and Belgian chocolate sauce was delicious! Good wine too, and not too expensive. A very relaxed and enjoyable meal. Would recommend this place as a lunch venue.
Peter Leeson
Apr 23, 2022
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Super friendly service and very helpful! Food well presented and really good quality! Definitely recommend.
