Review: The Willows, Blackburn

4:43pm Sunday 1st June 2008

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HAVE you noticed how eating establishments these days seem to be constantly changing?

You'll visit somewhere then a matter of weeks later it's all different - new menu, new decor even new owners.

I thought I'd "done" The Willows but then I was informed "it's all changed" so a return was duly made.

At first glance things are pretty similar.

The Willows is a purpose-built pub/restaurant with loads of space and plenty of nooks and crannies to sit in overlooking Blackburn and an adjoining lodge.

However, what is different is the menu. The Willows now operates a two-for one policy on main courses - i.e. you get the cheapest of the two for nothing.

Large blackboards on the wall marked out in a complicated grid pattern show you the many dishes available - there's a column of chicken dishes, beef dishes etc.

It's all too much like school for me and actually I think there's too much choice. Having sorted things out I went for the chicken barbecue enchiladas while the better half opted for a trio of lamb chops.

At £9.50 and £8.99 respectively I would have said that the dishes were overpriced had we been paying for each of them, but with the two-for-one offer it worked out at £9.50 for both, which is pretty good value.

The enchiladas were a little burnt but the chicken and pepper filling was fairly tasty.

They were served with potato wedges and a small salad.

The lamb chops were pronounced a success, served with boiled potatoes, veg and a jug of gravy.

The food is pretty standard pub fare - decent sized platefuls and it's perfectly fine.

Fine dining it ain't but that's not the intention.

It's the pricing policy more than anything else which will make The Willows popular.

THE WILLOWS, Haslingden Road, Guide.

>> The verdict

All too much like school for me - I think there's too much choice.