Clitheroe (2006)
Just how many is too many? Clitheroe has seen a slew of restaurant openings over the past year or two - culminating in the arrival of the 180-seater Piccolino at the end of 2008. Factor in the many pubs in the town that serve food and you have to question how sustainable it all is, particularly in the midst of a recession. That said, Clitheroe is a busy market town that draws in plenty of business from the surrounding countryside and anyone in search of a bite to eat is -- quite literally - now spoilt for choice.
Clover - Chinese
As well as the extensive Cantonese a la carte selection and the set meals for between two and six people, Clover has a number of its own signature specials including whole lobster, steamed sea bass and Pak-Fah Duck, roast duck stuffed with minced prawns and served in a rich garlic sauce. Clover is closed Mondays but open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday and for lunch on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Sorrento - Italian
Right next to The Villa, Sorrento is another new Italian restaurant, the third in a small chain with sister restaurants of the same name in Orrell and Ormskirk. It opened in September 2008 and is very contemporary in style with wooden floors throughout, a bar, a small lounge and an open kitchen. Owner Luciano is a key member of Ciao Italia, an organisation dedicated to promoting Italian cuisine and using only genuine Italian products. So the wine selection is exclusively Italian and much of the food is imported direct from Italy.
Piccolino - Italian
Right underneath Clitheroe Castle, Piccolino opened at the end of 2008. It's part of an Italian chain with sites across the UK, many in city centre locations, and this sleek new venture certainly brings a metro flavour to the local dining scene. The restaurant seats 180 diners over two floors and the stripped wooden floors help to create a modern minimalist feel. Open right through from noon seven days a week.
Penny Black Restaurant - Hotel
The Old Post House is Clitheroe's only hotel and along with its 11 bedrooms boasts the Penny Black Restaurant. It's traditional British food and Pru Jowett, head chef for seven years, has taken over the reins at the Old Post House along with husband Roger. A programme of renovations is planned which will include an extension to the restaurant area.
The Olive Press - Italian/Mediterranean
The Olive Press Pizzeria, Bar & Grill is the latest addition to Paul Heathcote's fast-growing collection of stylish Italian restaurants. Expect hand-made artisan pastas, stone-baked pizzas as well as salads, light dishes and a good choice of grills, meat and fish. The stunning interior design creates a relaxed and elegant dining experience with private dining facilities for up to 60 people on the first floor. The Olive Press is open all day for drinks, coffee, cocktails and wine.
The Villa - Italian/Mediterranean
The Villa is aptly named as from the rear it does bring to mind the look and feel of an Italian villa. And, as testified by the locals, it has come a long way from its previous incarnation as the Commercial pub. The al fresco dining area has a grand staircase, fountains and even a wishing well and the ground floor restaurant is a mixture of rustic Italian trattoria and modern-styled brasserie. At basement level, there's a wine bar which has the church-like ambience of a Spanish bodega.
Bengal Tandoori - Indian
This modern Indian restaurant and takeaway, formerly 5th Avenue, is open seven nights an week from 5pm til midnight (2am weekends). On Sundays, there is a special buffet served from 1pm to 7pm with a menu that changes weekly. It's £6.50 for adults, £4 for kids and under-fives eat for free.
The Emporium - Brasserie and furniture store
This three-storey former Methodist chapel is part coffee shop, wine bar and brasserie and part furniture and design store. The ambience is part European grand café and part colonial clubhouse and -- quite uniquely -- everything on all three floors is for sale, from sofas and dining tables to paintings and mirrors. Food is served throughout the day and there's a choice of sandwiches, salads and light lunches or try the ever-changing brasserie menu.
Weezos - Modern European
You'll find Weezos at the Old Toll House, a Grade II listed building on the road that winds down below the castle. Owner Stosie Madi appeared on Gordon Ramsay's show, The F Word, but she's no kitchen novice, running two successful restaurants in the Gambia as well as this Clitheroe venture. The food here is Modern European in style with a classic French flavour and a strong emphasis on local produce. The ambience is contemporary and informal.
Fact File
Parking:
On-street parking or Booths and Sainsburys both have parking just on the edge of the town centre
Cash:
Lots of ATMs along Castle Street
Taxi:
24 7 Taxis (01200 444444)
Pub:
Clitheroe has lots of pubs to choose from. The Swan & Royal on Castle Street is a 19th century coaching inn with a bar, restaurant, function room and accommodation
Bar:
The Dog is a music and sports bar aimed at the younger crowd
Cafe:
Near the station, Maxwells is a popular café and wine bar
Places To Visit:
Clitheroe Castle, Pendle Hill, D Byrne's wine merchants
More Lancashire Neighbourhood Watch Areas A59 Whalley Road (2006) | Accrington (2006) | Bolton Road, Darwen (2006) | Carnforth (2006) | Clitheroe (2006) - Henry Street, Lytham (2006) | High Street, Garstang (2006) | Kirkham (2006) | Longridge (2006) | Lord Street, Southport (2006) | Ramsbottom (2006) | Winckley Square, Preston (2006)
