Fence eatery opens its doors to the public

A highly anticipated Pendle eatery has officially opened its doors to the public, following an exciting refurbishment and the addition of eight bedrooms.

The Forest in Fence, part of the award-winning Seafood Pub Company, opened on Tuesday following an extensive refurbishment, transforming the venue into a modern brasserie and bar, with a Mediterranean inspired menu.

Matt Ward, general manager, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming drinkers and diners, both local and further afield to the Forest.

“We’re excited to showcase the new look and our fantastic food and drink offering. The eight stunning bedrooms are great for both leisure and corporate guests, making the Forest the ideal location in Pendle.”

The Forest has been transformed into a relaxed and contemporary setting of bleached oaks, natural materials and muted tones. A mixture of dining spaces, an open pass into the kitchen and a bustling bar create spaces for every occasion. With the beautiful, landscaped garden offering views over rural Fence, there really is no better destination.

The menu offers Mediterranean inspired dishes such as ember grilled lamb cutlets with warm potato salad, grilled leeks, mint and caper sauce, monkfish and salmon vindaloo, which is fresh and spicy with buttered lemon rice, and the angry pig pizza, which is chorizo, spicy pepperoni, pork belly, jalapenos, chilli cheese and mozzarella to name a few.

The management team at the Forest is a strong army of experienced seafood soldiers. Matt Ward joins the team after previously running the Seafood Pub Company’s site, the Oyster & Otter in Feniscowles, and Jonny Parkinson, restaurant manager, has been with the group for a number of years, having worked as general manager at the Derby Arms and the Barley Mow.

Assistant manager Megan Tomlinson, started her career with the group as a part time waitress at 16; she has worked her way up the ladder and now at 21 is really excited about her new role.

She said: “I’m thrilled to be part of the team at the Forest, we’ve had so much fantastic feedback already and I’m really looking forward to making this venue a popular attraction in the area. “The bedrooms on site are beautiful, and make the perfect stay for a number of occasions; the Forest has so much to offer and we’re excited to showcase our offering to customers!”