Business Details
Welcome to The Bay Horse Inn in Lancaster
The Bay Horse Inn has been a cornerstone of Lancashire's culinary scene for decades, offering dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Our kitchen, led by chef Craig Wilkinson, has earned acclaim for specialties like slow-cooked Goosnargh duck legs and Lancashire Sirloin Sunday roasts. Craig's 24-year tenure with his parents established a legacy of quality, which he and his wife Nicola continue to uphold. Nicola, a former teacher, manages operations and marketing while maintaining hands-on involvement in daily service. Nestled near the Lancaster Canal and the Trough of Bowland, our setting embodies rural Lancashire's charm, with onsite gardens offering serene views of grazing cows and wild hares. We collaborate closely with regional producers such as Dewlay Cheese and Port of Lancaster Smokehouse, ensuring our menus reflect the county's agricultural richness.Our commitment extends beyond cuisine, offering private dining in The Hayloft for gatherings of 8-14 and hosting events at Willow Barn. The team maintains rigorous quality standards through a streamlined a la carte menu supplemented by weekly blackboard specials. With flexible booking options for groups and a focus on seasonal ingredients, we aim to provide an authentic Lancashire dining experience. Our location near Junction 33 of the M6 makes us an ideal destination for both local residents and passing travelers seeking exceptional food and hospitality.
Services
A La Carte Dining
Sunday Roast Specials
Private Group Bookings
Wedding Events
Local Accommodation Recommendations
Highlights and features
- We offer 24 years of culinary expertise in Lancashire cuisine
- Our menus feature produce from trusted local suppliers
- Nicola Wilkinson provides dedicated operational management
- We maintain strict quality standards through limited menus
- We offer unique private dining experiences in The Hayloft
Services
A La Carte Dining
Our a la carte menu showcases Lancashire's finest ingredients with seasonal variations. Dishes like slow-cooked Goosnargh duck legs highlight regional produce, while weekly blackboard specials ensure menu freshness. The kitchen maintains quality through careful preparation of each dish.
Sunday Roast
Our Sunday roast features premium Lancashire Sirloin as the centerpiece. Served with seasonal vegetables and Yorkshire pudding, this family-style meal reflects generations of culinary tradition. Advance booking recommended for larger groups.
Private Dining
The Hayloft provides exclusive space for parties of 8-14. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or business meetings, this venue combines rustic charm with modern comforts. Personalised menus available for special occasions.
Wedding Events
Willow Barn and The Hayloft accommodate weddings from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations. Packages include venue hire, bespoke catering, and event coordination. Onsite inspections available by appointment with Nicola Wilkinson.
Local Partnerships
We collaborate with regional suppliers like Dewlay Cheese and Port of Lancaster Smokehouse. This network ensures fresh, seasonal ingredients while supporting Lancashire's agricultural community. Guests receive recommendations for producer visits.
People
Craig Wilkinson
Head Chef
Craig has led the kitchen at The Bay Horse Inn for 24 years, developing a reputation for Lancashire-inspired cuisine. His culinary expertise focuses on showcasing regional ingredients through traditional preparation methods.
Nicola Wilkinson
Operations Manager
Nicola joined the business in 2015, bringing organisational expertise from her teaching background. She manages staff operations, marketing initiatives, and special event coordination while maintaining frontline service involvement.
Questions
What dining options are available?
We offer a la carte menus, weekly specials, and set menus for groups. Private dining available in The Hayloft for 8-14 guests.
Do you host special events?
Yes, we host weddings, anniversaries, and private functions at Willow Barn and The Hayloft. Contact Nicola for event planning.
What makes your cuisine unique?
Our dishes feature seasonal ingredients from local producers within a 30-minute radius, including Goosnargh poultry and Lancaster smoked goods.
Is the pub accessible by car?
Conveniently located 5 minutes from M6 Junction 33 with ample onsite parking available for guests.
Reviews (6)
Rick Harris
Jan 12, 2022
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Lovely staff, food and beer. The food is a bit on the pricey side. Free overnight campervan parking if you have a meal is great though.
Adrian Compton
Dec 29, 2021
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Really blown away by the most amazing food. The lamb shanks are the best I have eaten anywhere. The service is excellent and I could not recommend it more. Such a great atmosphere.
Wendy Williams
Dec 29, 2021
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Had a lovely lunch here with friends today. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. The young ladies serving us were very attentive and friendly try re a credit to the owners of the Bay Horse. I will definitely be visiting again and would recommend anyone in the area to book a table and enjoy it too!
Paul Grimes
Oct 10, 2021
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Just had the Sunday evening set menu (Sunday lunch). Not something that would normally float my boat but I have to admit the beef (and they mean pink but NOT bloody) was tasty and nicely done. Large roasted potato cooked to perfection (hint of duck fat?) and crisp Yorkshire pudding (perhaps slightly overdone). Sharon had the cod with creamed leak sauce "delicious". Outside are looks nice (see photo) but would need a warm day!
Nathan Fisk
Sep 28, 2021
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Beautiful garden looking out onto nothing but countryside and cows. Absolutely idyllic.
Stopped for a Sunday roast en route to the lake district and it was simply amazing. Beautifully cooked and presented. Very generous portions. The interior could maybe do with a slight face-lift but it's still a very authentic, warm, country pub.
Wonderful.
Stopped for a Sunday roast en route to the lake district and it was simply amazing. Beautifully cooked and presented. Very generous portions. The interior could maybe do with a slight face-lift but it's still a very authentic, warm, country pub.
Wonderful.
Jo Molony
Sep 26, 2021
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Good food though not spectacular, limited choice
More a restaurant than a pub. Staff not too helpful, possibly a training issue. No 4G, so absence of wi-fi a big problem as we wished to chat about what to do the next day
More a restaurant than a pub. Staff not too helpful, possibly a training issue. No 4G, so absence of wi-fi a big problem as we wished to chat about what to do the next day
