Located just off Grosvenor Road, in the revitalised and bustling resort of New Brighton, Blackberry Grove is a friendly independently run, relaxed café, bar and restaurant.
With a rustic yet modern décor the restaurant has a good and varied menu. The restaurant is extremely proud to cater for vegans, vegetarians and meat lovers, along with gluten free and other dietary requirements. A great concept.
Warmly welcomed by Jo (Restaurant Owner) and Dave (Manager), we opted to sample and share a number of vegan, vegetarian and meat dishes.
We started with the Pan Fried Scallops and Chorizo, served on a bed of local watercress, pickled cucumber and a cauliflower puree (£7.95). The scallops were cooked to perfection, juicy with a melt in your mouth texture. In addition, the ‘devilled’ Tofu and vegetable Kebabs (£5.95) seasoned in a spicy paprika marinade, served on a bed of crispy rice noodles and an aged balsamic drizzle. Tasty and very healthy.
For mains we chose one dish from the daily ‘specials board’. Oven roasted chicken breast wrapped in crispy Parma ham, served with sweet potato puree, turned and pickled carrots and green trimmed beans (£10.95). The dish was well cooked with moist chicken and accompanied by a tasty chicken jus. Next was the Fillet Steak Diane (£13.95). Plentiful pieces of tender beef fillet in a rich and velvety Diane sauce, served with deep fried tender stem broccoli and steamed wild rice… what’s not to like. Excellent.
Next up we went 100% vegan with not one but two main dishes! A first for all of us. Our first choice was a juicy oven roasted red pepper stuffed with spiced Tofu and topped with a vegan cheese gratin (£9.95). Accompanied by red onion petals, crispy basil leaves and a sweet potato puree, this was a colourful and tasty dish with the vegan cheese being a pleasant surprise in both texture and taste.
Our second vegan dish was the Vegan Sunday Roast (£10.95). Presented on a sharing board, accompanied by crispy roast potatoes, sides of cauliflower cheese, roasted baby turnips and a jug of rich gravy, the oven roasted balsamic infused Portobello mushroom was an instant hit. The entire dish really packed a punch all round in texture and flavour. We devoured every morsel!
For our final main we went with one of the restaurants biggest sellers the ‘gluten free’ Fish and Chips (£10.95). Snow white flakes of fresh Haddock in a crispy gluten free beer batter. Served with hand cut chips, pea puree and homemade tartar sauce. A real winner.
Desserts are offered on a chalkboard style menu and include classics such as New York Cheesecake and the restaurants very own ‘Flourless’ Chocolate Torte. The kids took the helm … a deliciously rich dark chocolate torte, served with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Gorgeous.
The adults thought it fitting to end their meal with a cocktail or two … A devilishly good ‘Rum Paradise’ and a very naughty ‘Vodka’ ice cream… All cocktails priced at (£5.50). The rum paradise was made using a fabulous imported Venezuelan ‘Panmpero’ Rum, Passoa (passion fruit liqueur), Tia Maria and a splash of lemonade. Served with a cocoa dusted rim and topped with Red Amaranth. The vodka ice cream oozed creamy vanilla ice cream, fresh cream, soaked in Vodka, Blue Curacao liqueur, cherry drizzle and topped with fresh berries. A great end to our dining experience.
Verdict: Blackberry Grove is a lovely and relaxed dining destination – fresh local ingredients – tasty, varied and plentiful food – a good selection of alcoholic, non-alcoholic drinks and beverages – served by warm and friendly staff. The restaurant is good value for money and suitable for the entire family, whatever the occasion.
They are open six days a week from 11.00am until late; serving brunch, lunch and dinner – Tuesday to Sunday; with a late bar until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights. There are weekly dining deals along with the great Sunday roast options.
Check out the web site – www.blackberrygrove.co.uk and see what’s cooking. Here’s wishing Jo and her team every continued success and a Happy 1st Birthday!
To book: 0151 639 9608
