Review: Barocco's, Fence

Phone number: 01282 613641

Lancashire Telegraph review by Kate Turner from April 10, 2010.

Nestling on a quiet country lane in Fence is Italian restaurant Barocco’s, sister of the popular eaterie in Egerton.

Inside the beautiful stone building it was bustling on a Saturday night and was almost fully-booked, with few spaces left to sit down in the elegant bar area.

Our group of eight was taken through to our table quickly, with just enough time to look through the extensive menu.

For starters we shared a garlic bread £2, a garlic bread with Mozzarella cheese £2.90 and a garlic bread with tomato £2.70.

Even though they were called bread they were actually rather large pizzas, more than enough to fill all of us – including two rather hungry men – and had just the right amount of garlic and toppings without being greasy.

For my main meal I chose Rigatoni Gratinati, pasta cooked with tomato, pesto, Parmesan, garlic, cream with Mozzarella and baked in the oven for £6.50.

The meal was filling and came out piping hot but other people in our table said that some of their food was on the cold side.

Although the food is well priced and of a good standard, the drinks were more expensive, especially the wine, and the restaurant itself was cramped with little room to move.

The service was disappointing. We had to wait around 40 minutes for a bill that we had requested twice.

But the staff were friendly and overall it proved a lively place to go with some authentic Italian atmosphere.

Lancashire Telegraph review by Alan Simpson from November 7, 2008.

There's something special about eating at an Italian restaurant.

Somehow the atmosphere is always more warm and welcoming.

It’s probably just in my mind and others have other opinions.

But take our visit to Barocco’s, tucked down the deliciously named Cuckstool Lane between Fence and Brierfield.

We were one of the first to arrive for the evening sitting.

It was our first visit but the smiles and greetings we received from a variety of staff made me feel like we were mistaken for a couple who must dine there five times a week!

But as other groups entered I realised the welcome was generously bestowed to everyone.

The head waiter in Italian-style apron fastened by a cumberbund high above his midrift looked as if he had walked staight in from Milan.

He commanded his staff quietly too, with magnificent efficiency.

Each course was served by a battalion of staff. One carrying the plates, one the parmesan, one the pepper and of course the ever-mindful head honcho who just kept his troops in courteous line.

Our pomodoro garlic and tomato bread was simple in execution, scrumptious in taste — a perfect appetiser for what was to follow.

I treated myself to a chicken liver starter in rich red wine jus.

Mrs S enjoyed a plate of mushrooms on a bed of rocket, fried off to perfection.

My only complaint was there was far too much.

The main courses of pollo piccante ( I can never resist a dish that offers a chilli or two) and a house special tagliatelli again left little to be desired.

Freshness was of the essence and the cherry tomatoes in the sauce served with the chicken added to the Mediterranean ambience of the dish.

Washed gently down with a bottle of highly acceptable house wine at only £10.95, the whole eating experience had been most enjoyable.

The offer of a sweets menu had to be politely turned down although two espressos taken in the lounge rounded things off nicely.

Reader Views

Add your comments or rate Barocco's below.