On To A Winner!
Tedd Walmsley and son Rob dine at Bertram’s Restaurant at Crow Wood and declare it a triumph! Not surprisingly the restaurant recently won the well-deserved Taste Lancashire Award
It had been a while since my last visit to Bertram’s at Crow Wood and after hearing about its recent £3 million refurbishment, I was eager to see the transformation for myself. As we pulled up, I could already tell that the sleek, modern redesign had brought a fresh energy to the place. Stepping inside, the floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the space in natural light, offering a stunning view of Pendle Hill, while plush seating and intimate booths gave the restaurant a warm, sophisticated feel.
My son, Rob, and I were seated in a fantastic booth and as we settled in, there was the soft hum of conversation mixed with the gentle clinking of glasses. The service was impeccable from the start – friendly, attentive but never intrusive. There is a choice of two menus – the ‘dinner’ and ‘Rosette Experience’ both equally as impressive, featuring a well-balanced mix of indulgent classics and innovative new dishes, with the freedom to mix and match from either menu. After some deliberation, we made our choices.
Rob started with the scallops, perfectly seared and paired with a silky pea purée and crispy pancetta. The delicate sweetness of the scallops combined with the saltiness of the pancetta was a winning combination. I opted for the ‘Nduja Gambas Pil Pil – succulent prawns bathed in extra virgin olive oil, infused with the fiery kick of ‘nduja. The toasted focaccia on the side was ideal for soaking up the rich, spicy sauce.
For the main course, Rob went for the fillet steak, cooked to perfection and served with shallot green beans, a side of seasoned fries and a small jug of peppercorn sauce. The steak was melt-in-your-mouth tender and the sauce added just the right amount of richness. I chose turbot, a beautifully presented dish with delicate, flaky fish that was simply but expertly cooked, letting its natural flavour shine.
Despite feeling comfortably full, we couldn’t resist sharing a dessert. The Baileys & Coffee was a masterpiece – a honeycomb chocolate brownie with Valrhona mousse, topped with Baileys cream and served alongside espresso ice cream. Each bite was pure indulgence, the smooth chocolate perfectly complemented by the creamy, boozy Baileys.
As we finished our meal, I took a moment to soak in the atmosphere. The new design had given Bertram’s a fresh, modern edge without losing its charm. The combination of exceptional food, attentive service and a relaxed yet stylish ambience made for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether for a special occasion or just a well-earned treat, this was a place that delivered on every level.
It really isn’t surprising that Bertram’s was the recipients of the much-coveted Taste Lancashire Award at the recent Lancashire Tourism Awards. A well-deserved win and definitely worth the short drive from the Ribble Valley.
If you really want to make a night of it, why not stay at Crow Wood Hotel? With stylish rooms you can wake up refreshed and ready to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading home. Or why not go all out and indulge in a spa experience at the award-winning Woodland Spa. Go on – you know you want to.
