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Restaurant Review: The Aspinall Arms, Near Clitheroe

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The Aspinall Arms – Picturesque Posh Pub Grub

The River Ribble stretches around the encircled green pastures, while a medieval church older than Jesus looks over this idylically located gastro-pub. Aided by its pretty front facade, The Aspinall Arms Clitheroe provides real character. The interior of The Aspinall Arms was equally charming, with muted tones and pleasing attention to detail. I enjoyed leafing through the eclectic book collection, soaking in the quaint atmosphere, feeling quite the country gent.

Service was excellent by an approachable Lancashire Lass from start to finish. Although the food arrived sluggishly, which was pre-emptively apologised for. Aside from a lack of welcome and immediate direction upon arrival, The Aspinall Arms Clitheroe service was faultless.

The Aspinall Arms Clitheroe Menu all sounded tempting, although was a frenetic mixture of British gastro-pub stuff overly punctuated with a plethora influences. Despite The Aspinall Arms Clitheroe quintessential British appearance, it’s foreign muck Charcuterie Board was its highlight. I found seeing Rabbit & Prune Suet Pudding and Fragrant Thai Chicken salad on the same menu slightly disconcerting. I had falsely high expectations for the Smoked Haddock & Salmon Fishcakes, which were well formed and seasoned but one dimensional and lacking in smoke. The Rump Steak was mouth watering medium rare, fiercely seared and tasted beautifully beefy. The obligatory glass of Malbec made an appearance, which performed its function competently. Speaking of alcohol, The Aspinall Arms Clitheroe had a freakishly large display of whiskies which was marvellous to ogle.

The Aspinall Arms Clitheroe wasn’t the cheapest place in the world, but the charming surroundings and fresh ingredients justified its not unreasonable price. It’s a pub unlikely to provide everyday eats but one likely to return to. For the ten evenings a year when the weather permits Al Fresco dining, The Aspinall Arms Clitheroe would be delightful. For a post-church, Sunday wee dram – nowhere could be better.

The Aspinall Arms
Review Summary

Atmosphere 9  Cost 6  Quality 7  Service 8

Find The Aspinall Arms
Near Clitheroe

Restaurant Review: Beef & Pudding, Manchester

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Beef & Pudding – The Steaks Were High

Beef & Pudding is yet another relatively expensive, retro styled gourmet burger hot spot, something in danger of becoming a Manchester cliche. Thankfully I don’t think Beef & Pudding will fall prey to this if it stays true to its great branding and focus on British produce. A lot of thought had gone into the décor; it was contemporary with a nod to the traditional. It’s all shiny tiles, tasteful lighting and a muted colour palette. It was everything I want my flat to be like but totally isn’t. Everything’s tasteful and nothing’s tacky. Without wanting to (literally) bring up bad blood, it’s sobering to remember for a moment, the dismal days of the mid-nineties British beef industry, and how distant they now feel.

Beef & Pudding’s menu was well put together, concise and everything looked tempting. It was almost entirely British; something fabulous and rare in equal measure. I found it rather amusing when I asked for some French mustard, and the server returned with Coleman’s and an apology. I suspect it was only because I generously tipped that I wasn’t barred.

I wanted to love the food, but it felt short of being great. Unless you’re Fat Bastard from Austin Powers, you won’t argue with Beef & Pudding’s portions. The black pudding worked with the punchy curry spices but was one dimensional as every mouthful was identical. Similarly, the pig’s cheek was anonymous in the very rich but tasty gravy. The B&P burger had that proper chargrilled meaty taste missing from cheap burgers but was nevertheless quite dry. The ‘proper’ chips were Manchester’s best, but no doubt knocked a week of my life expectancy. Even so, I’d order them again. Beef & Pudding was udderly Nothern food to be proud of, but it lacked finesse in places.

Beef & Pudding
Review Summary

Atmosphere 8  Cost 6  Quality 7  Service 8

Beef and Pudding Manchester Restaurant Review
Brilliant chips if nothing else
Beef and Pudding Manchester Restaurant Review
Pigs Cheek; exceptional gravy but the pig itself was largely absent
  • *Since this review was first published, Beef & Pudding is unfortunately no longer with us – hence the lack of link*

Restaurant Review: Arts Club, Liverpool

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Arts Club Liverpool –  Scouse Hipster Hangout

The East Village Arts Club was minimally designed, covered with neutral tones and exposed natural finishes. I loved the mixture of materials, cleanness of lines and little curiosities. All this created a stylishly urban atmosphere: it was a hipster hangout, but a genuinely good one. With acts as diverse and genuine as Kano, to We Are Scientists, The Arts Club Liverpool was both a day and night spot in equal measure.

Regarding The Arts Club food, the Suicide Chicken Wings were not so much suicidal but a cry for help. They were tasty enough, but the tiny wings were smothered in a tangy tomato sauce not hard-core enough for heat-junkies. The Crispy Deep Fried Calamari had flavour but were an oily flaccid pile. The Sheepish Burger, a lamb patty with fennel, yogurt and mint salsa was deliciously herby, and will be consumed again. The Truffle Shuffle was a vegan’s nightmare: seasoned patty, ladled with pulled pork and chipotle sauce, topped with a fried egg. It wasn’t without its meaty charms, but was on the dry side of delicious. The skinny fries were crack-cocaine level moreish – I saved a few and sold them by the gram outside. During the ‘penniless & destitute’ 50% off promotion, the East Village represented superb value. I’m not saying I wouldn’t return for food, but the promotion significantly added to its appeal.

The Arts Club lack of drinks menus was inconvenient, but a smooth and delicate rum old-fashioned was helpfully suggested. At £9 it was expensive considering main courses were £4. However, I did ask for a recommended (given the lack of menu), and it was made using better quality ingredients than your standard Bacardi and Captain Morgan nonsense.

Service at Arts Club Liverpool was excellent throughout, with a friendly and conversational gentleman on hand when needed. East Village was a cool place in the heart of Liverpool, for a drink and a game of chess. The bearded are especially welcome.

Arts Club Liverpool
Review Summary

Atmosphere 10  Cost 9  Quality 6  Service 9

Arts Club: Burger, Old Fashioned, Chess - wonderful
Arts Club: Burger, Old Fashioned, Chess – wonderful

Find Arts Club Liverpool