The sophisticated Spinning Block Bistro Bar and Grill looks certain to be the place to be seen in the busy run-up to Christmas.
Clitheroe’s latest restaurant is a vibrant new venue that really raises the bar in what is already a popular destination for fully paid-up foodies.
Part of the ambitious Holmes Mill development in the heart of this bustling market town, this elegant new eatery is gearing up for a sparking debut festive season.
Clitheroe has always been a popular destination for a big night out thanks to the profusion of pubs, restaurants, bars and cafés and this latest addition looks set to join the circuit that makes a trip around town such a lively night out.
To anyone already familiar with the impressive surroundings of the Bowland Beer Hall next door, the new restaurant is on a similarly grand scale. As the name suggests, the Spinning Block occupies the entire ground floor of the elegant Victorian Mill and there’s ample space to stretch out and relax among the low-lying leather sofas or brunch tables.
All the interior design hallmarks of the James’ Places Group, which specialises in loving restoration of fine old buildings, are very much in evidence. The original fabric of the mill has been preserved wherever possible and the juxtaposition of slick modern design with sections of exposed original stonework, creating a very modish urban chic ambiance.
The straightforward menu is refreshingly free from overblown odes to gastronomic pretension – quality produce is front and centre – flowery descriptions, jus, foams and infusions are pleasingly absent.
With an array of appetisers and starters that includes ‘Pressing of Ham’ served with a side of the famous Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese to a selection of charcuterie from Porcus in Todmorden, the wide choice of local produce means there is something for everyone. If you are in a large group, you can order a selection of small dishes and share them tapas-style.
The main courses are a diverse mix of all types of meat and seafood, the grill section has a good selection of prime cuts (20oz Porterhouse, 10oz Sirloin, 10oz Rib Eye) along with Lobster and Megrim Sole for seafood lovers.
If you fancy something lighter, you could opt for the Charred Sirloin Beef Salad; medium rare strips of char-grilled sirloin with finely sliced onions and peppery chicory leaves dressed with a rich and gently spicy chipotle sauce.
You may think that this is a bit of a meat-fest, but don’t worry, the vegetarians haven’t been neglected; the cauliflower cheese dish is served with a supporting cast of a polenta cake, girolle mushrooms, black garlic puree and sweet shallots or you could go for the ‘Vegetarian Mixed Grill’ which includes: aubergine, avocado, sweet potato and smoked almond.
If you still have room for dessert, you could opt for one of the specials that include a decadent Chocolate Marquise or a cracklingly crisp Crème Brûlée.
A night at the Spinning Block comes with a distinct sense of occasion and although there’s some pretty hot competition in Clitheroe, this lively bar and grill might just be the best restaurant in town.
