5 of the best places for dining in Blackburn and Darwen

The best places to eat in Blackburn and Darwen

SCHOLARS
Scholars is one of the UK’s leading training restaurants, winning the AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence. Run by industry professionals and Blackburn College students and sited on campus, it offers a four-course set seasonal lunch menu, showcasing dishes such as panko crusted Goosnargh duck breast and potato and sweet pea fritter.

Exterior of CDJ in Darwen. (Image: Kirsty Thompson)

CDJ DARWEN
CDJ stands for Chef Dan Jolley, an award-winning chef who trained at Michelin starred restaurants including Northcote Manor and Helene Darroze in Paris, before becoming head chef at Windermere’s Linthwaite House. He’s also private chef for a squad full of top footballers, including Liverpool star Mo Salah. Menus feature tapas, steaks and speciality nights, served in stylish modern surroundings.

CALYPSO
Situated on The Wharf in Blackburn and serving authentic Caribbean cuisine such as jerk chicken, red snapper, and curried mutton. There’s plenty for vegetarians too, including fried plantain and rice and peas. Sitting with a cocktail and listening to calypso and reggae music, it’s almost possible to imagine the canal is in the Caribbean.

Exterior of Artisan, Darwen. (Image: Kirsty Thompson)

THE ARTISAN CAFÉ AND WINE BAR
A modern, relaxed environment with a great wine and cocktail list, including a good selection of champagnes. Menus, including Sunday lunch, are regularly updated but it has gained a reputation for its tapas which include Nasi Goreng chicken and peppered salami sliders.

Exterior of Checks and Grey's, Blackburn. (Image: Kirsty Thompson)

CHECKS AND GREYS
Named after Blackburn’s traditional weaving pattern and situated in the beautiful cloisters of Blackburn Cathedral, this independently owned café is a lovely place to enjoy breakfast or lunch, all of which are made using local ingredients.It’s worth popping in to sample their Cathedra blend coffee or their very own Cathedra gin