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The Ivy Palace, Albert Road, Colne, Lancashire
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The
legendary Ivy Palace taken from Albert Road
Judith, Renee, myself and Steve.
We're about to tuck into one of our favourites, Singapore Vermicelli |
This is without doubt our favourite place
to eat. The staff and chef moved from the Jade Palace in Earby a
little while ago - and we moved too! It's further away from home,
but the extra mileage - despite our increased carbon footprint - is
well worth the drive.
We're perhaps a little predictable in
what we eat; favourites include chicken curry with fried rice, sweet
and sour chicken, and Singapore vermicelli. The curry is not
over-hot, although I must admit I prefer it to have a bit of a kick,
but the flavour is excellent.
I first came across Singapore
Vermicelli at the Dragon Inn, Ripon several years ago, and I've
since tried many variations, including in China Town in Manchester
and London - I think you'll find the best is here at Ivy Palace!
Another dish well worth trying is their Sesame Prawn Toast. Again I
discovered the delights of this appetiser in Ripon, but just wait
'til you try it here. The chef doesn't skimp on the topping, with
around half an inch deliciously coated in sesame seeds; I'm
beginning to drool just writing about it!
The crispy duck is always fantastic,
and I've had one or two sizzling dishes too. I'd advise you not to
wear white if you choose a sizzler, and it's worth considering a bib
before your food arrives!
Another starter we often choose is Salt
and Pepper Chicken Wings. People who aren't in the know often say
there's nothing on a chicken wing, but everyone who's tried these at
the Ivy Palace on my recommendation has been absolutely and totally
converted. Again it's something I've tried at other restaurants, and
again I've not found another to compare. The wings have a crispy
coat and come with a sweet garlic and hot pepper dressing, finished
with cucumber and crispy lettuce
We've never been disappointed with meals
from the Ivy Palace, both eaten in and takeaway, and the service is
superb.
Ivy Palace, 78 Albert Road, Colne,
Lancashire - 01282 865585 |
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Grandma
Pollards, Rochdale Road, Walsden, Lancs. * * * * * |
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Grandma Pollards on Rochdale
Road, Walsden
Tony Pollard with two members of
the team that help to make this the very best chippie |
We originally came across Grandma Pollards
when we visited Gordon Riggs famous garden centre, which is just
down the road.
It was a stroke of good luck really,
because I was on a day off and we'd taken the mother-in-law out for
a ride. She'd told us about the home-made pies, and more or less
insisted we give it a try.
The first glance at a Grandma Pollards
portion of fish gives you a good indication as to what's in store -
and it lives up to expectations too. There's a wide variety of pies
available, both sweet and savoury and all home baked. Occasionally
when your meal arrives you'll find you've been given a potato
scallop - a whole slice of potato in Grandma Pollards unique batter.
I don't know whether it's an act of generosity, or part of a
marketing exercise - but if it's the latter it's inspired; they are
truly wonderful!
There's indoor seating available, and
round the back, by the canal there's even a bus kitted out with
tables and piped music.
I know of several "chippies" that have
entered the annual Fish & Chip Shop of the Year competition at one
time or another, and one or two of them really shouldn't have
bothered. But Grandma Pollards? Well I reckon it would win hands
down! Just occasionally you find what you can truthfully call a
little gem, and Grandma Pollards is without doubt one of those.
A word of caution though - if you're
thinking of making the trip they're only open weekdays, but their
hours are extensive. They open at 8:30 every weekday morning,
closing at 3:30 on Monday and Tuesday, and 8:30 in the evening every
other day. |
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Morgan's,
Victoria Road, Earby, Lancashire * * * * * |
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Morgan's from
Victoria Road (top) and a shot taken inside (below)
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Another great little discovery here; If
you're driving through Earby on the A56 (one of the main
Lancashire/North Yorkshire routes) you'd never know Morgan's existed.
But it is worth making a slight detour down Victoria Road to give
the excellent little cafe a try.
The premises have been transformed by
Sax Jensen, the cafe's owner. Walk through the door and you could be
forgiven for thinking you'd walked into a high-class city centre
bistro. It's well decorated, with attractive and comfortable
furnishings, on two floors.
The menu is simple, with basic good
food from steaks and mixed grills, to a great value Sunday lunch. My
wife says the puddings - hand made by Sax as far as I'm aware - are
to die for. The staggering thing is you can get a fantastic
three-course Sunday dinner for around seven quid!!
Now for the conundrum - if the cafe is
owned and run by Sax Jensen, why is it called Morgan's? Well, Sax has
strong links with the equestrian world, and once owned a favourite
horse called Morgan. Now you know
Morgan's, 15 Victoria Road, Earby, BB18
6UN. 01282 843500 |
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Greta's,
Admirals Market, Nelson, Lancashire * * * * * |
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One of the legendary steak
puddings served at Greta's
And the tiny kitchen in which all
the food is prepared while you watch |
Greta's is located in the basement of the
Admirals shopping centre in Nelson town centre. I can only speak for
a couple of the dishes they do; It was here that I discovered the
delights of steak pudding. It's something that had never
particularly appealed to me until I moved across the (disputed)
border into East Lancashire just a few years ago.
I tried one of Greta's steak puddings
and was instantly hooked. Trouble is, I've tried the same dish at
numerous other places and have not as yet found one that compares!
When we go shopping in Nelson we invariably end up at Greta's for my
"upside-down pudding" - my wife has Shepherds Pie with peas and
gravy.
I don't think anyone at Greta's would
deny that it used to have quite a smoky atmosphere, which of course
new legislation has now changed - most would probably say for the
better. There is no doubt it's a much more pleasant environment to
eat in, and it's bright, well furnished and attractive.
You'll never have reason to complain
about a cold meal either - it's always piping hot and delicious, and
the staff have always very cheerful and friendly towards us.
I imagine the cafe is one of the major
attractions of the shopping centre, providing quick, well cooked and
inexpensive meals. As I said earlier, we've only tried a couple of
dishes because we tend to stick to what we like, but there is plenty
to choose from on a pretty varied menu.
Greta's doesn't claim to be an Egon
Ronay starred restaurant, but if you want to feed three hungry folk
for less than a tenner, then I'd certainly recommend it!
Greta's, Admirals Market, Nelson, East
Lancashire |
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The Calf's
Head, Worston, Clitheroe, Lancashire * * * * * |
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Not perhaps the best view of the
Calf's Head, but definitely worth a trip
The Garden at the side of the
Calf's Head.
There's a little stream at the
bottom, and a summerhouse |
There's a website called the Virtual
Tourist in which a guy from Burnley called Martin Selway mentions
the Calf's Head. We had the pub recommended by a friend - it was a
difficult choice, because as I mention elsewhere our favourite food
tends to be Cantonese, but we thought we'd give it a try.
I have to say I'm very pleased we did,
because so far the food we've had there has been excellent. It's not
what food connoisseurs might call adventurous, but there again
neither am I. Once again though we've never been disappointed, with
plenty on the menus to tempt everyone.
Biggest problem tends to be getting a
table, but once you're seated the service is quick, the waiting-on
staff - whilst mostly very young - are knowledgeable, interested and
very friendly. Again my favourite is a chicken dish - chicken breast
served in a creamy mushroom sauce. Not to be missed are the onion
rings, something that seems to be a bit of a speciality - they are
seriously good!
One of the great things about the Calf's
Head is that, despite the fact the place is invariably busy, you're
never rushed, which is just as well considering the size of the
portions!
They've a website where you can find out
more -
www.calfshead.co.uk/
or try this link for another opinion!
http://ribblevalleypubs.blogspot.com/2005/11/calfs-head-worston.html
The
Calf's
Head, Worston, Nr Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 1QA. Tel: 01200
441218 |
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The
Bay Horse, Keighley Road, Skipton, North Yorkshire
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A choice that hasn't gone down that well
with the rest of the family, but I've included the Bay Horse simply
based on one dish - and yes, you've guessed, it's chicken again! We
had a presenters meeting over lunch at the Bay Horse and chicken
wrapped in bacon with melted cheese and a barbecue sauce caught my
eye. I wasn't disappointed either, it was excellent!
On the evidence of this meal I took my
family along to see what they thought. Christopher didn't share my
opinion on the chicken, and my wife opted for a pie - I forget what
it was, but it might have been Chicken and Leek. The portions were
enormous, and in my case every bit as good as my first helping, but
the missus complained that the filling of her pie was too dry, and
she was unable to eat much of it
In my opinion though the food is good,
with a varied and comprehensive menu - and worth a try.
The Bay Horse, Keighley Road,
Skipton Tel: 01756 797711 |
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Tempest
Arms, Elslack, Skipton, North Yorkshire |
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Tempest
Arms exterior (top) and a
section of the restaurant
(bottom)
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I've had a recommendation which I can
wholeheartedly agree with! Jon Ranwell has e-mailed me to suggest I
try the Tempest Arms at Elslack, where we run the Tuesday evening
quiz, as it's one of his favourites.
I had never eaten a meal at the Tempest,
but of course they always provide an excellent supper on quiz night.
However, as it happens we booked in just recently - and were not
disappointed! I have to confess to having read a review of the
Tempest's restaurant in local newspaper the Craven Herald, and I can
only conclude they were eating in a totally different venue, or
simply didn't appreciate superb food!
I had a huge mound of pate as a starter,
followed by venison, and finishing with a meringue the size of a
small tower block, surrounded by fresh raspberries. Judith went for
salmon followed by a chocolate concoction that put her diet back by
several months.
It was absolutely excellent - I couldn't
afford to do it too often, but we'll certainly be back for our next
special occasion.
Many thanks to Jon for the tip.
The
Tempest Arms,
Elslack, Skipton BD23 3AY (01282 842450) |
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Cafe on the
Square, Barnoldswick, Lancashire |
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Above: Peter "Clampett" Clamp - pretty much a
permanent fixture at the Cafe on the Square!
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Barnoldswick's got a few good places for a
bite to eat, but we particularly like the Cafe on the Square for a
quick snack.
They do an excellent bacon, egg and chips.
I'm told the eggs are locally sourced, and I'm sure they must be
free-range too, because they're always a nice deep orange colour -
and very tasty! The bacon is never swimming in fat, and always well
cooked. There's nothing I dislike more than my bacon grunting when I
stick a fork in it! I've been to so many places where a good vet
would get my meat up and running again.
I know it's probably not the healthiest
meal you could have, but we don't go that often, and it's a real,
good value treat when we do. The other thing I do enjoy is a good
cup of tea - not a weak, insipid brew drowned out with milk. It
needs to be a good colour, plenty of flavour and well brewed, which
is precisely what you get here.
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Craven
Bakery, Sackville Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire |
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A picture nicked from the Craven
Bakery
website - somehow it doesn't have
the same effect here! Not only that, it's the wrong branch -
whatever!
Bacon and Brie - one of my
favourites! |
This is where the daily butties used to
come from. I made a pledge to walk down into Skipton centre at least
once a day, just to make sure I get some sort of exercise. Trouble
is, I came across the Craven Bakery on my travels, and foolishly
tried one of their sausage sandwiches. From then on I (and the rest
of the team at Fresh Radio) was hooked!
They've introduced Paninis, my favourite
being bacon and brie with onion and tomato. There's a daily take-out
soup on offer too - watch out for Pam's special Bacon and Lentil. In
the sort of weather the dales can throw at you it's ideal.
The other thing Pam used to do especially
for me is sausage with well-done fried onions, but I'm sure if you
ask her very nicely she'll do one for you too.
There's a great team here at the Sackville
Street branch, and the bonus is, if I ever needed an opinion on a
local news story, I'd never be short with this lot! |
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Westmoreland Fisheries,
Skipton, North Yorkshire |
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The team hard at it on a busy
Wednesday teatime
A
welcome sight on a dreary, cold winter's
evening
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This is where we used to go far too often
for lunch. You could say it's because it was easy, because after
all, it was just around the corner. On the other hand, like me, you
could also say they cook the best fish and chips in Craven.
Ian and Janet have run the business for as
long as we'd been in Firth Street, and at times it was an absolute
godsend. When you've busy deadlines to meet it's been ideal for a
quick, nutritious and excellent meal.
As well as the usual stuff they also do a
mean steak and onion pie, which I believe are sourced from Phillipes
just down the road. One of the things that stands out is the fact
that the fish and chips are never fatty and greasy, unlike some I
could mention (no names, no legal action - know what I mean!!) and
the batter is wonderful!
Only complaint? That ruddy corner onto
Sackville Street - some nutters come round there like their
backsides are on fire! One idiot nearly mowed down the queue outside
the chippy as he flew round the corner and mounted the kerb, one
hand clutching his mobile phone to his lug'ole! Apprentice mechanic
at a renowned local motor dealership I believe. There's a chance he
might get through his apprenticeship alive IF he learns to
drive properly and invests a few bob in a hands-free kit!
Westmoreland
Fisheries. 1 Westmoreland Street, Skipton 01756 794000 |
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Mart
Cafe, Clitheroe Auction Mart,
Lincoln Way, Clitheroe, Lancashire |
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Punters at the busy Clitheroe
Auction on a Wednesday evening |
Clitheroe Auction on a Wednesday evening
attracts just about every facet of human life, and it's a
fascinating place to while away a couple of hours - even if you just
go to people-watch! You'll always bag a bargain too, with dozens
stalls selling just about everything, as well as the regular "fur
and feather" sales.
And when you've finished browsing the
upstairs cafe is certainly worth a look, especially if you're
looking for "Man-sized" portions; they've got to feed hungry
farmers, so I guess they'd be in serious bother if they served small
portions - nouvelle cuisine proportions!
I tried some battered fish just two weeks
after it had been introduced onto the menu, and it was fantastic!
The batter was superb, while the fish - a huge piece of cod - was
really moist and utterly delicious.
I'm told all of the meat products on offer
are locally sourced. Once again, probably a good idea as the place
is visited by just about every farmer in the region! |
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The Stables
restaurant, Towneley Hall, Burnley, Lancashire
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The Stables restaurant
The fountain outside the
restaurant
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Another little gem that we came across
quite by accident. I wanted to take some photographs of a woodland
walk for a project I'm working on, and it was a choice of heading
for an arboretum near Bedale or for the woodland walk at Towneley
Hall. It was a gloriously sunny day and I have to admit I really
didn't fancy spending too much time behind the wheel! We very nearly
missed out here too, because when we arrived at Towneley a Race for
Life had just finished, and the drive out of the hall was absolutely
gridlocked.
We decided to go in anyway, and I'm very
pleased we did. The Stables has only just finished a refurbishment
programme and at first glance it was very impressive. And we weren't
disappointed - clean, modern, classy interior with an equally
impressive English menu, the staff are all helpful and very
friendly. So far we've only had a snack - I had sausage egg and
chips and Judith had a roasted ham sandwich. But you can tell a lot
from a simple meal like that. My eggs were perfectly cooked, the
sausages were delicious (PLEASE don't change your supplier!!) and
the chips were just right. I had a bite of one of Judith's ham
sandwiches and I must confess I opened it up to take a look too!
Great quality tasty ham AND they use butter.
We noted that the restaurant is opening on
a Friday and Saturday evening with a very comprehensive menu which
is excellent value. |
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The Black Swan,
Ravenstonedale, Cumbria * * * * * |
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The Black Swan
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There's a great choice of food here. We
called in on a ride up to Haweswater, and I must confess that the
Black Swan is my favourite pub in the area. On our last trip I chose
Gammon, while she who would like to be obeyed picked Fish and Chips.
My gammon was so tender you barely needed a knife to cut through it
- but when Judith's fish arrived we both gasped; it was absolutely
enormous! Quantity's OK, but it's really quality that counts for me.
We needn't have worried though, It was absolutely glorious. Once
again, as at the Bull it was white, moist and flaky, with absolutely
superb Black Sheep batter. And once again I suppose I must sound
penny pinching if I say it was a little more than I would usually
pay for fish and chips, but then the Black Swan is no chippie! One
thing you'll find on the menu is smaller or children's portions, so
you needn't feel embarrassed if you just fancy a snack rather than a
main meal. Fantastic food, fantastic venue - if you find yourself
driving down the A685 just pull off when you see the sign for
Ravenstonedale!
Sample items from the menu (March 2009):
Prawn and Crayfish Cocktail £5.50; Mixed grill of local rump steak,
gammon, lamb chop & sausage served with award winning black pudding,
mushrooms, tomato, onion rings, chips & fried egg £15.95; a choice
of desserts from less than £4.00
The Black Swan, Ravenstonedale,
Cumbria. Tel: 015396 23204 |
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The Magic Wok,
Windermere, Cumbria |
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Lake Windermere
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We've been to a couple of Chinese
restaurants in Windermere, and in fact went into the Magic Wok on
the spur of the moment after a working assignment in Ambleside. We
had been to another restaurant just a little further down Crescent
Road a couple of times before - and while it was not bad we found
the staff a bit distant, and not particularly friendly. It was just
the opposite in the Magic Wok, where we were made to feel at home
right away. Food was good, with some excellent flavours in my fairly
hot Chicken Curry. We also tried Kung Po Chicken, which has been
different at every restaurant or takeaway we've ever been to. The
Magic Wok interpretation of this dish was simply excellent. It
included cashews (which some versions don't) and was nicely spicy
without being too hot. There was a good selection of vegetables too,
with bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, baby sweetcorn and carrots
included. Plenty of rice and soft noodles supplied too, in fact we
couldn't eat it all. Service was quick, and prices very reasonable
too. It's easy to find - on your right as you drive down Victoria
Street into the town centre past Booths, and enter the one-way
system on Crescent Road.
The Magic Wok, 2 Crescent Road,
Windermere, Cumbria LA23 1EA. Tel: 015394 488668 |
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The Old Swan, Gargrave, North
Yorkshire |
The Old Swan from the A65 |
Under new management, but I would hazard a
guess that this is still a favourite for villagers in Gargrave and
the local area. This is a REAL pub, selling real ale, and providing
an excellent meal. The menu isn't huge, but there's plenty if you
check out the specials too, and it's very good. We went to
celebrate our wedding anniversary, and were well impressed with the
friendliness, service and the food. I tried oven roast chicken with
bacon and a special "bosses sauce", while Judith had home-made
fishcakes, normally a starter, as a main course. We finished sharing
a syrup sponge with cream (mainly due to the fact we were absolutely
stuffed full with our mains!) and all-in-all we thoroughly enjoyed
our visit. I have to confess to pinching some of Judith's fishcake
too, and I think I may go for that next time we visit. Lovely food,
lovely people, friendly locals - give it a try! The Old Swan is on
the main A65 through the village, with a car park situated at the
side - if it's full there's another village car park just a few
yards down the road.
The Old Swan, 20 High Street, Gargrave,
Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 3RB. Tel: 01756 749232
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The
Wensleydale Heifer, West Witton, Wensleydale * * * * * |
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Julian tries to make his way
through the giant fish and chips |
Julian Hotchkiss and I from the Fresh
Breakfast Show took up a challenge thrown down by David Moss at the
Wensleydale Heifer - and we were really glad we did! We were greeted
at the door of the pub and seated in a very comfortable lounge while
our partners perused the very comprehensive menu. The Heifer
specialises in fish dishes - and does them extraordinarily well!
Julian and I already had our meal chosen for us. We were to attempt
to eat our way through the pub's giant fish and chips. It's a
massive meal - I think the fish itself weighs around a kilo, there's
a pile of hand-cut chips sufficient to feed a small army, and the
most delightful "mushy" peas you've ever tasted. It was difficult to
imagine how such an enormous piece of fish could be cooked so
perfectly - but it was! Neither of us managed to finish our meal,
but it wasn't for lack of trying! It's a bit of a gimmick, but the
chef takes as much care of cooking this special as any other of the
fantastic selection on the menu. It's not inexpensive to eat here,
but it's well worth a visit for a special night out, and I don't
believe you'll find better fish dishes anywhere else in the dales.
One thing certainly worth a mention is the attitude of the staff;
they all seem passionate about what they do, and each does it very
well. They're friendly without being condescending, very
approachable and make a major contribution to a hugely enjoyable
experience.
The Wensleydale Heifer,
West Witton, North Yorkshire. DL8 4LS. Tel: 01969 622322 |
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The
Spreadeagle, Sawley, near Clitheroe, Lancs.
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The Spread Eagle |
What an absolute delight! We went to the
Spreadeagle (just off the A59 near Clitheroe) on the spur of the
moment, just looking for somewhere different. (April 2010). I've
done a couple of quiz nights at the Spread (as it's known by the
regulars) but never had a meal before.
As seems to be the tradition these days I
thought I'd try the crispy battered haddock fillet with mushy peas,
tartare and hand-cut chips (£12.95). Judith had grilled bacon
joint on shredded Savoy cabbage in a white wine, cream and mustard
sauce, also with hand cut chips plus an egg. Her sweet (included at
£9.25) was dark chocolate and prune marquise with a coffee sauce,
while I chose two generous scoops of home-made lemon sorbet at
£2.95. My fish was simply to die for - no special batter was
advertised, but it was VERY special. The fish was pure white, flaky,
moist, and absolutely delicious. Similarly Judith was forced to eat
every last scrap off her plate; the sauce was superb, setting off
the other ingredients perfectly. I've never had a sorbet quite as
delicious either - I devoured it so quickly it gave me a headache,
but it was worth the pain! Judith's chocolate and prune marquise was
made with dark chocolate, so it wasn't sickly in the slightest -
once again the plates were scraped clean!
This is one place we'll certainly go back
to - it's got a hugely comprehensive menu with plenty to suit every
palate, and at prices you can afford.
The Spread Eagle, Sawley, Clitheroe,
Lancashire BB7 4NH. Tel: 01200 441202 |
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