Simon’s Suppers
Our readers in the east of the county are harbouring a secret, and what a great secret it is! Photography: Robin Lyndon
Bertram’s restaurant at the fabulous Crow Wood Leisure complex and Woodland Spa is situated in 100 acres of fabulous Pendle countryside just off the M65 near Burnley – just a 20-minute drive from the heart of the Ribble Valley.
As you approach Crow Wood it is obviously a huge labour of love, with gym, swimming pools and the Woodland Spa. Ascend to Bertram’s restaurant, and the classy interior – a mix of contemporary and classic – affords great views over the surrounding countryside. It is an intimate, lovely place to dine! The restaurant comes alive in the evenings with live music, cocktails of every description and a great cosmopolitan atmosphere.
The friendly manager Dino greeted us warmly and led us to a table for pre-dinner gin and tonics and a few lovely nibbles to set the tone for the evening.
The menu is extensive and varied with a great mix of flavours from around the world and a selection of chef’s seasonal favourites to tempt us.
It was Thursday Night Supper Club and we were delighted at the prospect of a two-course meal and half a bottle of wine per person for only £22!
Asian inspired duck and pancakes with an Asian salad and pan seared King scallops with a ras el hanout spicy onion puree, set Judith and Liz off to a very tasty start.
Tedd’s, salt ‘n’ pepper King prawns with coriander salad and superb cashew and lime dressing had him in raptures!
I completed the Asian theme with the most delicious Tandoori lamb cutlet and an amazing courgette and red onion bhaji – it was delicious.
The wine list is a lovely compilation of quality and variety. We chose (with Dino’s help) a delicious Picpoul de Pinet from southern France, which was fresh and crisp, perfect for our food.
Main courses – for me a bit closer to home, a ‘Piggy Banquet’, pork fillet, confit belly, black pudding and Parma ham, served with cauliflower puree, sage potatoes apple and a mustard jus. Very English and just wonderful!
Tedd stayed in Lancashire too and devoured a fabulous slow cooked local lamb shank, caramelised onion and Lancashire cheese mash and honey roasted root vegetables. The lonely looking bone left at the end, a testament to a truly delicious dish.
Liz loves fish so the Madras spiced hake fillet, with a garlic and prawn sauce, Piri Piri parsnips, sweet potato and broccoli, looked lovely and was apparently tremendous!
Judith went with a duo of spiced lamb cutlets and a kofta – a sensational combination of flavours.
We did cheat a little – while the puddings were not in our Supper Club deal they were worth it! Limoncello baked Alaska and a melting Black Forest chocolate pudding to share, ended a great meal which was superb value – well worth a trip as the nights get lighter.
Bertram’s Restaurant
Crow Wood
Royle Lane, Off Holme Road
Burnley BB12 0RT
01282 471930
info@bertramsrestaurant.com
