IN the heart of Blackburn centre is the pub-turned cafe that I had been eager to visit.

It is more than inviting, with trinkets and antiques on display, the eclectic decor makings your eyes wander.

Previously known as The Residence or The Grapes, staff at the licensed tea and coffee house, offer a wide range of Thwaites ales as well as Pimms and Prosecco by the glass.

Although the place is licensed, the atmosphere certainly isn’t pub or wine bar-like. it’s a quirky place, combining vintage and modern with a delicious menu that has a slight twist.

A couple of delicious dishes to chose from include chorizo, spring onion and potato hash, with a free range fried egg on the top or a Blackburn Bake, which is black pudding, bacon and sausage, bound in a rich creamy wholegrain mustard sauce.

But because of the glorious weather, a salad and a sandwich was the most refreshing meal on the menu. Chicken with sage and lemon mayo on brown and a plantation with seawater prawns, juicy pineapple and a delicious sauce.

To accompany the lunch naked handcooked crisps and garlic mayo – a little bit on the expensive side at £2.50 per portion. I was expecting much more than crisps and a dip.

But the main dishes were much more satisfying with jam-packed fillings, the chicken and the prawns were freshly cooked and tasted delicious.

The whole lot came to £16.05 which was great and included a Coca-Cola (served ice cold from the bottle, just how it should be) and a latte.

VERDICT

  • Food: 9
  • Drink: 9 
  • Service: 9
  • Atmosphere: 9
  • Value: 8