Reviews in Darwen

We visited CDJ many times in the much smaller original Darwen venue, and were never disappointed with the outstanding creativity and quality of all the dishes on offer. Now situated between Blackburn and Darwen and just 1 minute form M65 J4, the new venue compliments the exceptional food on offer. CDJ has long been our go to place for a special evening out, and the new venue completes the experience. There are also two outdoor riverside areas with plenty seating for those sunny afternoons and evenings. When in the bar, restaurant and even the outdoor areas you are cosseted from the surrounding area and you could be anywhere in the UK. It's good to have such a great dining experience in this area. We will continue to visit and recommend CDJ.

Family meal on Saturday night to celebrate my retirement. We all agreed it was the best night out we've had for a long time. We have watched the place being transformed and anticipated your opening and we are not disappointed. Amazing job! Food was excellent, ambience excellent with the bonus of live singer and dancing later. Service good to say its such early days. Well done Dan and team. We will certainly be back. Thank you for making our night so special

My partner and I went for Sunday lunch yesterday. Agree with everything that other reviewers say about the food and the venue. Both are amazing. Although we enjoyed the food, we didn’t enjoy the overall dining experience as much. The volume of the house music was over-powering for those who wish to enjoy a gorgeous Sunday lunch in relative peace and quiet. It should be background – not foreground. And to add to the discomfort, all the tracks were of a disco and heavy beat genre which doesn’t contribute to what should be a relaxing, chilled-out experience. We were seated in what appears to be a conservatory extension with a large skylight which not only floods the room with light, but also sunshine. My partner was uncomfortably hot throughout our meal with the sun directly beating down on him . We will book for the restaurant area next time. Something needs to done about the small army of flies which constantly sought to share our food. The cutlery was difficult to grasp for those of us with dexterity issues. The handles were almost as thin as straws. Although all this sounds rather negative, it does require some attention, but don’t let it put you off going. The quality of the food is not to be missed. We will definitely be back, but will wait awhile in the hope and expectation that the owners read the reviews and make the necessary adjustments.

We went for Sunday dinner, amazing food , such big portions, the staff were so attentive & the venue is absolutely stunning, looking forward to trying out the tapas in the very near future, well done Dan & team!!

There is no doubt that Chef Dan Jolley and his team shine through with the standard and quality of food. We (my mum and me) shared 6 small plates tapas all with equal success. The team were really friendly and just need a bit more attention to detail of service - which I’m sure will come through time. The biggest factor that pulled the whole experience down significantly was the atmosphere : Walking into a wall of music akin to a disco at decibel levels that made your ears bleed was disconcerting. Thankfully they did turn the music down to a decent level. The main problem was constant stream of off street walk ins on a Darwen pub crawl getting leathered, accompanied with a Harry Potter film showing on a big screen TV next to the bar? It’s early days - week 3 of opening so I really hope you find your fit. Perhaps offer drinks only on the outside terrance or screen the dining area better. We had drinkers sat for a time next to us! Not a great dining experience at £95. The food however was truly brilliant.

Food was excellent, venue is beautiful and staff were friendly

Amazing atmosphere, lovely environment and food was top class - made our anniversary special

Great, the move from Darwen to new location was great and the quality has improved even more with the venue upgrade. Best place around and now wine list is much better.

Booked for a Sunday Evening, didn't realise it was a set menu but the food was amazing regardless. Staff and service were excellent and the open kitchen is a real bonus. We felt that the music was (although very good) was a little loud. Our only gripe, if you will, was that as a couple it was a bit awkward being sat in the middle of the dining room. Would have imagined couples to be sat near the windows and groups in the middle. But will remember for next time. All in all a great experience.

It was amazing overall , the food is fresh & great experience with reasonable prices , the service is wonderful

Food was amazing!! Lovely place to eat, would be better for us if there was an actual childrens menu. We wanted to eat her again on the Sunday but only limited to the Sunday menu which was disappointing as we would of liked more choice. This is definitely our new local and a lovely place to eat and drink.

Had the most wonderful Experiance , the staff are brilliant the place is brilliant and the food is something else , we have re booked for Boxing Day , I had the chicken liver to start , that was served like I have never seen before and was delicious , the flat iron steak, and sticky toffee pudding ,

Beautiful restaurant good atmosphere and lovely staff . Food was delicious . Been so disappointed lately in other restaurants with average food. This place doesn’t disappoint.

Had lunch yesterday, and chose two courses off the lunch menu, the food was absolutely delicious. The ham hock terrine was really tasty and the fish of the day (salmon) was superb. Presentation was knockout, a feast for the eyes as well as the palate! Not huge portions but it was plenty enough for me, and didn’t leave me with that totally overstuffed feeling. My mum had the chicken for main and the Strawberry dessert and thoroughly enjoyed them both. Clean plates all round! A lovely relaxed lunch as the restaurant wasn’t overly busy -but that suited us-with some fab tunes playing , creating a great atmosphere in lovely surroundings, what a fabulous refurb, looks very classy. The open kitchen looks really great. . Finished off with a couple of drinks in the bar. The only slight minor grumble would be that bar prices seem a tad on the high side but other than that we felt it was pretty good value for money. We will definitely be coming again, for both drinks and food. A much needed place for the village. Wishing CDJ@Riverside every success.

"Tried to get in sooner but were looking forward to it very much! Booked for Wednesday tea time, arrived for 5:30. Brilliant decor, wife loved the music. Plenty of seating outside but light drizzle deterred! Bit of a mix up with booking but soon sorted! Would have preferred a wall table, but in middle of room! Dan J in his open plan kitchen. The all female hospitality team could've done with a bit of leadership training - a bit diffident! I wanted a beer, they told me the lagers. I struggled to explain! 3Bs Brewery only a mile+ away? Not sure where Brixtons brewed but it was quite nice (£5.75?) Only option. We went tapas route, ordered five & that was just enough with a shared pudding! Really enjoyed it! Good quality! No fresh fish options! Holly seemed to warm up as FoH, nice young woman! Why didn't Dan J have a mini wander round his clients? Add to our experience? The people (quite close) around us were on steaks or burgers & seemed very happy with them. Decent range of wines. Bar area packed & all eating seating taken. We'd done by 7 having had a great culinary experience! A small service charge (5%?) had been added, it gets shared out amongst staff. Took cost just over (£100) - we were happy with VFM. The toilet for mobility needs people deserves special mention! Brilliant. We'll be back - but not to middle row of tables please! Since the Spread Eagle at Mellor has gone "chain" this may be its leadership replacement! Well Done!

Beautiful food. Beautiful restaurant and the service was fantastic. Thank you for a lovely meal.

Fantastic food in a beautiful restaurant, the service was excellent and I would highly recommend to anyone.

What a place! Just what the local area needed - excellent food, very talented chefs with a good choice of dishes that are a lovely size. The decor of the restaurant, bar and especially the outdoor seating area (I felt like we were in Ibiza not Lower Darwen!) is amazing. Some excellent choices. Highly recommend a visit.