Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MODERATE
Food by Breda Murphy
MODERN BRITISH A stop on the Ribble
Valley Food Trail (p. 593), this is a little gem of a deli and daytime bistro offering
creative modern fare based on local ingredients, devised by the eponymous Irish chef
who often gives a modern twist to classic British dishes by incorporating influences
gleaned from her travels in southeast Asia: Think slow-roast Bowland lamb shoulder
with citrus-glazed carrots and coriander jus. There are also delicious open sand-
wiches, nibbles, and children's meals and portions. Just be careful not to overdo it if
you want to indulge in a sensational dessert—perhaps a saffron-rice pudding with
prune syrup, or a deep-filled rhubarb and apple pie with cinnamon custard. There are
also luxurious afternoon teas.
Abbots Court, 41 Station Rd., Whalley.
&
01254/823446.
www.foodbybredamurphy.com. Reserva-
tions recommended. Main courses £6-£16. MC, V. Tues-Sat 10am-6pm, plus occasional evenings.
Mandarin
CHINESE In a town where terrible eating experiences await
you on every corner, this Cantonese place, which celebrated its 50th birthday in
2011, is no insider secret—just ask any taxi driver or hotelier for their local eating
recommendation to find out. A few blocks north of Blackpool Tower and in from its
Promenade, this quite smart dining room offers few surprises to those familiar with
British Chinese restaurants, although you'll find some daily specials chalked up on
the board in Chinese (the highly obliging staff will translate). And you can't go wrong
with tried-and-tested favorites including excellent dumplings and aromatic crispy
duck. Younger diners are made to feel very welcome.
27 Clifton St., Blackpool.
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01253/622687.
http://mandaringroup.co.uk. Reservations recommended.
Main courses £7-£13. MC, V. Mon 6-11:30pm, Tues-Sat noon-2pm and 6-11pm.
INEXPENSIVE
P Brucciani
LUNCH/SNACKS This former milk bar retains its original
“high-street Deco” styling of wood, chrome, Formica, and Bakelite, etched glass and
mirrors, and penny-in-the-slot cubicles in the toilets. Opened in 1939, it was much
frowned upon by some locals, who feared it would tarnish Morecambe's genteel Victo-
rian image. Now almost a part of the resort's very fabric in its prime seafront promenade
spot with killer views of the shimmering bay, it's a great place to step back in time, with
old-fashioned knickerbocker glories and sundaes but also sandwiches, soups, and the
likes of egg and chips or beans on toast, plus great coffee. There's also an ice-cream
counter out front, selling Brucciani's own ice creams in traditional flavors.
217 Marine Parade, Morecambe.
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01524/421386.
Main courses £2.50-£5.50. MC, V. Daily 10am-5pm.
Yorkshire Fisheries
FISH & CHIPS The decor may be wanting in all
respects—this is about as basic an eatery as you can imagine, with old wooden panel-
ing and banquette seating—but Blackpool's oldest fish-and-chip shop is consistently
rated its best by locals and visitors alike. Most of the former wouldn't go anywhere
else for their haddock or cod and chips, to eat in or—for the full-on British seaside
experience—to take to the beach a few minutes' walk away. The secret lies in the
fresh, crispy batter, but the friendly staff and fair prices (£5 gets you fish, chips,
mushy peas, bread and butter, and tea!) are big draws too.
16-18 Topping St., Blackpool.
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01253/627739.
Main courses about £5. No credit cards. Mon-Sat
11:30am-7pm.
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