Restaurant recommendations

This Forum is the main messageboard to discuss all things Claret and Blue and beyond
ChrisG
Posts: 1113
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 11:10 am
Been Liked: 326 times
Has Liked: 333 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by ChrisG » Mon Sep 26, 2022 7:19 pm

StuffyClaret wrote:
Mon Sep 26, 2022 5:00 pm
Another vote for La Laconda.

However, I guarantee that you will have a fantastic experience at The Old Bridge in Barrowford. The home of Barrowford Clarets.
They only serve food on Friday, Saturday and Sunday but I would go there over the Northcote Manor any day.
Check out their menu on FB
Old Bridge was my local when I lived in Higherford. Closest it came to a restaurant back then was a bag of crisps! Always liked it as a boozer though, the Robbie's Best was always in excellent nick

Belial
Posts: 1678
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 8:10 pm
Been Liked: 381 times
Has Liked: 320 times
Location: On a crazy train

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Belial » Mon Sep 26, 2022 7:38 pm

Leon_C wrote:
Mon Sep 26, 2022 7:01 pm
Crow Wood offers two good dining options - Bertrams (above the spa) and Wilfreds (in the hotel).
I'm a fan of the Firepit, which is next to the station in Rawtenstall. More 'casual' than the likes of Northcote of course, but always enjoyed the food.
Food can be half decent in the Firepit but they are trying to be something they aren't (also if you are there at a weekend, be prepared for it tp turn into a bar later on).

If you're in Rawtenstall, try Casa Tapas. Been a few times and it's always been good. There's also the Whitaker Museum which has a new chef team in
This user liked this post: Leon_C

Robbo1882
Posts: 97
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2016 3:41 pm
Been Liked: 20 times
Has Liked: 8 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Robbo1882 » Mon Sep 26, 2022 7:41 pm

I would recommend;

The White Swan
Northcote
and if you fancy a drive, Moor Hall or the Bran at Moor Hall in Ormskirk is excellent and a real treat
This user liked this post: HandforthClaret

Caballo
Posts: 1128
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2016 8:31 am
Been Liked: 420 times
Has Liked: 431 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Caballo » Mon Sep 26, 2022 9:41 pm

I'll have go,

White Swan - Fence
La Locanda - Gisburn (exceptional for an Italian imo)
Breda Murphy - Whalley
Stydd Gardens - Ribchester ( an interesting setting)
Parkers arms (starting to get a fair distance from Rossendale though)
Three fishes - Mitton

I'd choose all of those above Northcote, which I find a little too full of itself.

Brucefanclaret
Posts: 516
Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2016 6:34 pm
Been Liked: 203 times
Has Liked: 509 times
Location: Hawkshaw, Bury

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Brucefanclaret » Mon Sep 26, 2022 10:12 pm

beddie wrote:
Mon Sep 26, 2022 3:59 pm
Blimey Bruce you must have deep pockets. :lol:
Was a very special treat. 20 years ago, Mr Brucefan had emergency open-heart surgery and was told his new aortic valve might only last him 10 years. Double that seemed like a good reason to dip into those pockets! Living off lettuce leaves and stale bread now, mind…..
This user liked this post: beddie

Indecisive
Posts: 526
Joined: Tue May 17, 2016 8:21 pm
Been Liked: 394 times
Has Liked: 68 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Indecisive » Mon Sep 26, 2022 11:41 pm

Robbo1882 wrote:
Mon Sep 26, 2022 7:41 pm
I would recommend;

The White Swan
Northcote
and if you fancy a drive, Moor Hall or the Bran at Moor Hall in Ormskirk is excellent and a real treat
The Barn is just about affordable.

Moor hall is bordering on ridiculous now price wise though. With modest drinks you are looking at £7-800 for an evening meal for two . I went when it first opened and it was fantastic, but since the second star it’s up there as one of the priciest in the country. If money is no object it is an impressive set up and no expense has been spared… although the owner (AJ Bell) definitely isn’t shy of a bob or two!

Clarets4me
Posts: 4948
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2016 9:31 pm
Been Liked: 2307 times
Has Liked: 1033 times
Location: Ightenhill,Burnley

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Clarets4me » Tue Sep 27, 2022 1:05 am

A couple of posters has described the Northcote is " pretentious " or " up itself " ! If that's their view, then I doubt Moor Hall at Ormskirk will be their " Cup of Tea ", if this review is anything to go by ... :D

https://www.theguardian.com/food/2019/o ... ant-review

Garnerssoap
Posts: 1348
Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2016 5:50 pm
Been Liked: 392 times
Has Liked: 514 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Garnerssoap » Tue Sep 27, 2022 7:05 am

3 Fishes gets my vote. Aspinall is a lovely location with nice ale but the food is overpriced chain store crap
Mind you now the Rifles has gone everywhere is overpriced

bfcjg
Posts: 13151
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 8:17 pm
Been Liked: 5000 times
Has Liked: 6715 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by bfcjg » Tue Sep 27, 2022 7:57 am

Cellar in Padiham is also very good.

Dressinggown
Posts: 1021
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 1:24 pm
Been Liked: 553 times
Has Liked: 79 times
Location: Padiham

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Dressinggown » Tue Sep 27, 2022 10:31 pm

On another Padiham note:

Tried Vetrano's in Padiham last Thursday. It is what used to be Mama Mia's and the Crossways.

4 of us went for the 3 courses for £20.00 mid week deal. Whilst not Michelin star material, the food was pretty good. Surprisingly, Sirloin Steak was included on the deal. My fellow diners went for chicken and pasta dishes for mains and all of us were happy with our lot. Service was friendly enough, although a little slow.

Give it a go.

bfcjg
Posts: 13151
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 8:17 pm
Been Liked: 5000 times
Has Liked: 6715 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by bfcjg » Tue Sep 27, 2022 10:58 pm

Vetrano's is really good as well, have to agree with the service but that is the industry at the moment and if you allow the time, the delay between courses can be filled with wine and conversation.

houseboy
Posts: 7065
Joined: Fri Sep 08, 2017 4:43 pm
Been Liked: 2238 times
Has Liked: 1617 times
Location: Baxenden

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by houseboy » Tue Sep 27, 2022 11:26 pm

Hey Steve, great to hear your ‘in town’ next week and it would have been terrific to have a meet and discuss where the last forty odd years have gone, but alas I’m in Spain next week. Hope you have a great time and find somewhere good to eat and maybe next time you’re down for a game we can have a pint (or two). My daughter might be with me cos she’s got the Claret bug but her partner won’t, he a top lad but unfortunately given to atrocious habits (he’s a Rovers season ticket holder).

houseboy
Posts: 7065
Joined: Fri Sep 08, 2017 4:43 pm
Been Liked: 2238 times
Has Liked: 1617 times
Location: Baxenden

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by houseboy » Tue Sep 27, 2022 11:28 pm

Garnerssoap wrote:
Tue Sep 27, 2022 7:05 am
3 Fishes gets my vote. Aspinall is a lovely location with nice ale but the food is overpriced chain store crap
Mind you now the Rifles has gone everywhere is overpriced
I used to love that place (apart from the waiting times occasionally) but then it closed down and I haven’t been that way for quite a while. How long has it been open again bud?

Garnerssoap
Posts: 1348
Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2016 5:50 pm
Been Liked: 392 times
Has Liked: 514 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Garnerssoap » Wed Sep 28, 2022 12:39 am

Around a year maybe a bit less. It’s a bit different now. Nigel Haworth got it back and there’s kind of limited choices each day on the menu - I think the idea is you keep the cost down (relatively)for top notch food. It has a sustainable ethos as well growing the veg out the back and local suppliers still. I think it’s pretty cool and a bit different to things you normally get in the North

Damo
Posts: 4504
Joined: Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:04 pm
Been Liked: 1777 times
Has Liked: 2761 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Damo » Wed Sep 28, 2022 12:57 am

Steve1956 wrote:
Mon Sep 26, 2022 2:03 pm
We will go anywhere (Sycamore Farm excluded) the dog happily sits in the motor,I'm from Rawtenstall, have you been to that new Indian that has set up in the old Craven Heifer pub we like the Nila for a takeaway but looking for a change for a takeaway one night.
I've been to Kashmir twice since it opened and I probably won't go back. Everything I ordered was pretty bland. My wife said the same.
If you are going for a local Indian, then it has to be Nila or the Indian Harvest imo
La Turka and A'Vucciria on Bank Street are both pretty good if you like Mediterranean food

ElectroClaret
Posts: 17773
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 7:07 pm
Been Liked: 4044 times
Has Liked: 1846 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by ElectroClaret » Wed Sep 28, 2022 2:02 am

Damo wrote:
Wed Sep 28, 2022 12:57 am
I've been to Kashmir twice since it opened and I probably won't go back. Everything I ordered was pretty bland. My wife said the same.
If you are going for a local Indian, then it has to be Nila or the Indian Harvest imo
Still on the Indian theme, a little further travelling will take you to the Balti Stan at Clayton le Moors.
Excellent curries, never disappoint.

Quickenthetempo
Posts: 17913
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 10:35 am
Been Liked: 3841 times
Has Liked: 2065 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Quickenthetempo » Wed Sep 28, 2022 8:11 am

66 posts in and nobody has mentioned Karen's in Manchester.

ClaretPete001
Posts: 2022
Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2022 11:39 am
Been Liked: 308 times
Has Liked: 162 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by ClaretPete001 » Wed Sep 28, 2022 9:31 am

houseboy wrote:
Tue Sep 27, 2022 11:28 pm
I used to love that place (apart from the waiting times occasionally) but then it closed down and I haven’t been that way for quite a while. How long has it been open again bud?
A bit harsh on the Aspinall but I'm the same I didn't realise the 3 fishes had re-opened.

claretonthecoast1882
Posts: 10085
Joined: Mon Apr 09, 2018 1:59 pm
Been Liked: 4159 times
Has Liked: 57 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by claretonthecoast1882 » Wed Sep 28, 2022 9:32 am

Quickenthetempo wrote:
Wed Sep 28, 2022 8:11 am
66 posts in and nobody has mentioned Karen's in Manchester.
**** *** :D

Quicknick
Posts: 5580
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 4:25 pm
Been Liked: 1208 times
Has Liked: 7098 times
Location: Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Quicknick » Wed Sep 28, 2022 9:34 am

ClaretPope wrote:
Mon Sep 26, 2022 11:12 am
White Swan at Fence - less pretentious than Northcote and Timothy Taylor's ales
Sorry, off topic: Fence. I used to have a mate from there in the early/mid-'70s. Brian Kearsley. Anyone know him. We lost touch.

Clarets4me
Posts: 4948
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2016 9:31 pm
Been Liked: 2307 times
Has Liked: 1033 times
Location: Ightenhill,Burnley

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Clarets4me » Wed Sep 28, 2022 9:42 am

houseboy wrote:
Tue Sep 27, 2022 11:28 pm
I used to love that place (apart from the waiting times occasionally) but then it closed down and I haven’t been that way for quite a while. How long has it been open again bud?
It was excellent when part of the " Ribble Valley Inns " Group, owned by the Northcote Group ...

When the Northcote Group decided to concentrate on the main property around May 2018, the " Inns " were sold to Brunning and Price, the pub-food division of " The Restaurant Group PLC ", who also own Frankie and Bennys and Wagamama. They also own the Aspinall Arms at Mitton not 800 yards from The Three Fishes. They then closed The Three Fishes in early 2019. Nigel Haworth, one of the original two owners of the Northcote, then bought the premises, and after a refurbishment, re-opened in November 2021 ...

Prices are similar to the " White Swan " at Fence ..

1882Clarets1882
Posts: 486
Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2022 10:47 pm
Been Liked: 198 times
Has Liked: 182 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by 1882Clarets1882 » Wed Sep 28, 2022 9:44 am

I remember the White Swan landlord. Gerald. What a character. He was Fences own Basil Fawlty.

basil6345789
Posts: 2703
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 10:22 pm
Been Liked: 481 times
Has Liked: 2289 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by basil6345789 » Wed Sep 28, 2022 10:33 am

What Cost Of Living crisis?

Juan Tanamera
Posts: 2141
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 11:31 am
Been Liked: 761 times
Has Liked: 10008 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Juan Tanamera » Wed Sep 28, 2022 11:02 am

If your good self and 'er indoors like Thai food, then I would recommend Rim Nam at Hebden Bridge.

Eloise Laws
Posts: 913
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 6:28 am
Been Liked: 321 times
Has Liked: 247 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Eloise Laws » Wed Sep 28, 2022 11:46 am

One man’s meat is another man’s poison…..don’t like recommending eateries, everyone has different ideas…..I’ve eaten in quite a few of the ones mentioned, some great, some good and some ‘I don’t get what all the fuss is about’
Hope you enjoy your meal wherever you choose

Claretitus
Posts: 1257
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 10:39 pm
Been Liked: 327 times
Has Liked: 199 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Claretitus » Thu Sep 29, 2022 6:58 pm

1882Clarets1882 wrote:
Wed Sep 28, 2022 9:44 am
I remember the White Swan landlord. Gerald. What a character. He was Fences own Basil Fawlty.
He was !! I’ve seen him tell folk to leave because they dared to ask what a certain beer was like!! He was hilarious. But get him talking about horse racing and you’d cracked it. Hence, all the jockeys silks adorning the bar.

Claretitus
Posts: 1257
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 10:39 pm
Been Liked: 327 times
Has Liked: 199 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Claretitus » Thu Sep 29, 2022 7:01 pm

ClaretPete001 wrote:
Wed Sep 28, 2022 9:31 am
A bit harsh on the Aspinall but I'm the same I didn't realise the 3 fishes had re-opened.
It has, but even more expensive than it was before it closed. £45 for a Sunday roast? Come on. The best Sunday roast is now served at the The Black Bull in Old Langho. Bit close to the Horse Botherers training ground, but if you can cope with that, it’s excellent.

jsclaret
Posts: 43
Joined: Mon Mar 29, 2021 11:28 am
Been Liked: 10 times
Has Liked: 2 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by jsclaret » Thu Sep 29, 2022 7:42 pm

Claretitus wrote:
Thu Sep 29, 2022 6:58 pm
He was !! I’ve seen him tell folk to leave because they dared to ask what a certain beer was like!! He was hilarious. But get him talking about horse racing and you’d cracked it. Hence, all the jockeys silks adorning the bar.
My favourite story about Gerald was when one or two people he didn't like the look of came in and asked what he would recommend. He said he would recommend the Sparrow Hawk!

Loyalclaret
Posts: 2015
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 9:00 pm
Been Liked: 426 times
Has Liked: 364 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Loyalclaret » Thu Sep 29, 2022 7:51 pm

Claretitus wrote:
Thu Sep 29, 2022 7:01 pm
It has, but even more expensive than it was before it closed. £45 for a Sunday roast? Come on. The best Sunday roast is now served at the The Black Bull in Old Langho. Bit close to the Horse Botherers training ground, but if you can cope with that, it’s excellent.
Just had to check the menu, we loved the old 3 fishes but didn't know it had reopened.

The Sunday Roast is actually £55!

Top Claret
Posts: 5125
Joined: Wed Jan 27, 2016 11:50 am
Been Liked: 1127 times
Has Liked: 1238 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Top Claret » Thu Sep 29, 2022 7:53 pm

£45 for a Sunday roast well that's ridiculous, you won't have much change from £120 with drinks for a couple.

Rarely eat out now and wouldn't touch a takeaway as their muck

Only eat out when abroad as the quality is far superior and better value for money. British beef is expensive and only fit for stewing, fish ok but the portions are to small, don't get me going about the rubbish Indian restaurants what are owned by Bengalis who haven't a clue

NewClaret
Posts: 13222
Joined: Tue Dec 31, 2019 9:51 am
Been Liked: 3037 times
Has Liked: 3759 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by NewClaret » Thu Sep 29, 2022 7:56 pm

Damo wrote:
Wed Sep 28, 2022 12:57 am
I've been to Kashmir twice since it opened and I probably won't go back. Everything I ordered was pretty bland. My wife said the same.
If you are going for a local Indian, then it has to be Nila or the Indian Harvest imo
La Turka and A'Vucciria on Bank Street are both pretty good if you like Mediterranean food
Really shocked at that.

I’ve been 3 times & always found it outstanding. That said, I’ve only had one dish :lol: Got recommended the “chicken tak-a-tak” on first visit and it’s sensational. Haven’t been able to bring myself to try anything else but the kids have chicken tikka masala and they say that’s the best they’ve ever had (I’ve tried a bit and definitely a different taste).

Nice interior for an Indian too.

Jakubclaret
Posts: 9434
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2016 10:47 pm
Been Liked: 1179 times
Has Liked: 778 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Jakubclaret » Thu Sep 29, 2022 8:02 pm

The knights table at stainforth is nice.
https://www.the-knights-table.co.uk/

Aclaret
Posts: 4113
Joined: Tue Jul 10, 2018 3:16 pm
Been Liked: 1299 times
Has Liked: 1391 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by Aclaret » Thu Sep 29, 2022 8:25 pm

Jakubclaret wrote:
Thu Sep 29, 2022 8:02 pm
The knights table at stainforth is nice.
https://www.the-knights-table.co.uk/
Indeed it is. Had a Sunday Roast there last month, best we've had in a long time.
This user liked this post: Jakubclaret

1882Clarets1882
Posts: 486
Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2022 10:47 pm
Been Liked: 198 times
Has Liked: 182 times

Re: Restaurant recommendations

Post by 1882Clarets1882 » Thu Sep 29, 2022 8:52 pm

Loom makers opposite the sorting office

Post Reply