Review: The Oyster And Otter, Blackburn (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Review: The Oyster And Otter, Blackburn

4:16pm Wednesday 23rd May 2012 in Latest restaurant reviews By Anna Mansell , Features writer

A LITTLE more than a year since it opened, The Oyster And Otter has carved itself a very nice reputation as one of East Lancashire’s top dining venues.

With my fish-loving dad, I stopped by on a quiet Monday lunchtime for his first visit to the restaurant.

Priding itself on daily specials fresh from the fish markets, the menu did prove slightly tricky for me as a non-fish eater.

The problem wasn’t a lack of choice, more that the fish dishes sounded more appealing and exciting than the meat and veggie options.

Going for the two-course special of roast hake and olive crushed potatoes, with wilted spinach and sherry dressing, followed by chocolate cappuccino mousse with crushed Amaretti biscuits for £14,95 including a glass of wine, my dad was a happy chap.

The hake was perfectly cooked, and it’s large flakes were just transluscent and falling apart. The dessert was just as much of a success, served in a coffee cup, it was truely delicious.

It’s not often I would choose a chicken dish, but the lemon and rosemary Goosnargh chicken breast with paprika potatoes, broccoli, pine nuts and salsa verde from the main menu appealed.

The griddled chicken and potatoes were really tasty, but the salsa verde seemed pointless and lacked power against the other flavours.

The winner for me was the golden syrup sponge pudding with ‘proper custard’.

The vanilla-speckled sauce was fantastic – thick and creamy, and a great combination with the sweetness of the perfectly cooked sponge.

Our young waitress was friendly and confident, and the decor is as fresh as the day it opened. The atmosphere was a touch lacking, but it was a quiet Monday lunch service.

With a glass of wine for me, and some olives and bread to nibble, the bill came to a not unreasonable £42.95