Diners loyal to favourite eating places

Thousands of you voted for your favourite eateries in the BEN Readers' Restaurant of the Year competition for 2001. And, although the Royal Balti house at Farnworth claimed the top award once more this year, there were certainly plenty of impressive contenders.

Around 50 local eateries received votes from enthusiastic diners -- many of whom are obviously regular customers at their favourites.

So, congratulations to the Royal Balti House once more -- and to all the restaurants who won official approval from the local public.

Here is just a small selection of their comments .....

THE PAVILION, Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge, Bolton, was also extremely popular and attracted several comments of "best Indian food for miles" -- surely proved, with diners from as far afield as Southport, Liverpool, Leicester and Sunderland.

There was praise indeed from one local clergyman -- "The food is heavenly." Others dining enthused over the wonderful atmosphere, attractive decor, courteous staff and excellent value for money. "Always good service, excellent food and a warm welcome." "Excellent service, lovely smiley waiters, wicked tunes! Best bhunas in town!" "Simply the best for a curry!" "A truly traditional Indian experience!"

The SUNAR GAW BALTI CUISINE on Manchester Road, Burnden, Bolton, another very popular restaurant, was the setting for what might have been a wonderful life for two diners. "I first met my partner here, where, after a romantic meal, I asked her to marry me. Unfortunately, she said 'No'!" wrote one gentleman.

It obviously was not the food that put her off, however, since others comments included -- "the quality of food and service is excellent", "excellent curries, beautiful decor, everything was just perfect", "having eaten in India on holiday, and many other Indian restaurants in the UK, I would find it difficult to find any other restaurant as good as the Sunar Gaw!" The attention to children's needs was also very important to many diners here.

Bolton town centre contains many popular eateries, one of which, THE HEN & CHICKENS pub on Deansgate, received hundreds of votes.

"The food was orgasmitastical!" was one comment that seems to speak volumes. "Great food, great service, great pub -- best pub food in Bolton," was a comment shared by many voters.

Another reason for this pub's popularity could be the "massive portions of fresh produce, excellent value for money and friendly staff." "Nothing is too much trouble" and "prompt service" are obviously very important since these were the comments of a great number of the Hen & Chicken's fans.

Another favourite among the Indian restaurants in the area is the SAVAR BALTI AND TANDOORI RESTAURANT in Mealhouse Lane, Atherton.

"I live in Manchester within one mile of Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, and still find I prefer to come to Atherton for a superb meal and service," writes one of the Savar's many satisfied customers.

"Some sensational specialities, excellent draught beers and the presentation of food is always excellent," writes another visitor to the restaurant from Heath Charnock. Another enthusiastic lady from Tyldesley wrote: "They make a beautiful curry in a very chilled out environment."

ALADDIN'S INDIAN RESTAURANT on Elliot Street in Tyldesley, according to a lady from Leigh, has "food which is very tasty, the staff are pleasant and extremely efficient, the atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable." "We'd come again and again!!" she added.

"Very obliging staff, excellent food and service, a very warm welcome," writes another diner. "The food and service are unlikely to be surpassed. Each visit is a new experience," writes another fan.

Local people certainly like their Indian food! The LEENA TANDOORI on Bradshawgate, Bolton, attracted many votes. One visitor wrote: "Best Indian in Bolton with good service." "It's the best value for money, especially the Sunday buffet," writes one happy reader. "Best curry house in Bolton. Yum, yum," writes a voter from Rochdale. "Out of this world food and service. We love it here," says another loyal fan. "The food, atmosphere and service are beyond compare!" enthuses another voter.

NICK'S BAR & RESTAURANT on Chorley Old Road, Bolton, has something very special since one diner from Lincolnshire writes of "a warm greeting, every course cooked to perfection, very relaxed atmosphere, that's why I make the journey." A local lady is such a fan she wrote: "There is NO better food. If Nick's Restaurant is too busy to accommodate us, we eat in!" There was praise from a couple from Sale who went ahead with their anniversary celebrations at the restaurant, even though one of them was nursing a broken leg. Consideration, comfort, good food and service were again the order of the day! "Food is consistently excellent and service is always with a smile," wrote yet another satisfied customer.

THE HULTON ARMS at Four Lane Ends, Over Hulton, is "run by nice people -- for nice people", according to one reader. "You are guaranteed good food at a good price in a friendly atmosphere," writes a lady from Hunger Hill. "Good food costs less at The Hulton," writes a local fan. "Simple food, intelligently presented, makes a simple man very happy!" are just a few of the enthusiastic words written by one satisfied Bolton diner.

THE RED LION at Over Hulton attracted one customer because -- "friends of mine recommend it, and it is easy to get to." A Farnworth visitor enthused: "Food for thought. Lots of choice and taste to linger over -- just room left for dessert." A gentleman from Westhoughton says: "I go there every week and the food and drink are absolutely exquisite." One young voter writes: "It has a big play area and nice food."

Prince Street, in Bolton, is the address of another popular public house -- THE COTTON TREE. "Always a warm welcome, good value for money" is a comment repeated time and time again. "So much value for your money, a full three courses for just £3.95, leaves you full and satisfied," enthuses a local lady. A qualified chef writes: "I appreciate good quality food and friendly staff. As yet, I haven't eaten anything in this establishment which was not an A+ or above." And a doctor, from Heywood, wrote: "It is worth the journey -- excellent food, clean surroundings and friendly staff."

JULES VERNE in Adlington, has a "calming atmosphere and excellent value-for-money, a menu that is sophisticated and varied and the staff are very welcoming and eager to please." Sounds like this lady from Walkden was well-pleased! Another lady from Chorley wrote: "From the welcome to the mince pie, the quality and service was most high."

Chorley's PARMESAN AND PEPPER has attracted a diner from Ormskirk who writes: "The food is wonderful and the service is superb and very friendly." Another enthusiastic voter says: "Fabulous food, very high quality (best ever lasagne) -- it's the best." And yet another reader feels they are "very good with children".

CASA BRUNO in Horwich is -- "Italian food at its best," according to a Bromley Cross fan, and "excellent value for money" was written time and time again on the voting forms. "An excellent set menu for £8.95," wrote another reader. "I love the relaxing atmosphere of the place," writes another of their many fans.

THE BLUNDELL ARMS in Horwich received many votes because of the "choice and quality of food, relaxing environment and authentic decor from Medieval times." The writer was also extremely enthusiastic about the "good selection of wine and very large glasses to drink out of." Another fan writes of the "varied menu, well cooked and presented." A local diner appreciated the "beautifully presented, consistently excellent food, friendly and efficient service and great atmosphere."

A popular restaurant in Little Scotland, Blackrod, is GALLAGHER'S, where a very satisfied customer writes that superb food is served in a relaxed atmosphere by very friendly staff. "A brilliant combination," he says, "after a long, hard day at the office!" Another visitor from Heaton Norris writes that "whenever you go for either Sunday Lunch, Early Diners or a la carte, you can be sure of an excellent meal served by friendly staff." A Tyldesley diner thought the "food was excellent and the atmosphere warm and friendly."

LA ROMA ITALIAN RESTAURANT on Turton Road, Bromley Cross, attracted such praise as -- "this is no noisy 'atmospheric' Italian restaurant, just a simple bistro serving consistently good food and an assured warm welcome from Stefan and his loyal staff." Good food, good service and good prices were popular reasons for visiting this popular Italian restaurant.

THE AMIR INDIAN RESTAURANT, at Ladybridge in Bolton, has "consistently good, well cooked, authentic food, served by friendly, attentive staff. As Tina Turner says -- 'simply the best!' " enthuses a diner from Atherton. Another reader writes: "The food is great, the staff are kind and helpful. It's really good value for money and there is a wide choice of dishes." A Blackrod visitor writes: "The service is first class along with the food and the atmosphere. The decor is so fine, making it the best place to dine."

THE MILLSTONE INN AND BRASSERIE, Bolton Road, Anderton, is a "happy place to have a meal," according to a diner from Radcliffe. "It's reasonably priced, the menu is varied and the food is superb and freshly cooked." Another visitor to the restaurant from Bury agrees, and adds: "The food is excellent, there's a lovely welcome and a good atmosphere, and it's situated in a lovely area." "The standard of the menu and staff are second to none," writes another reader.

Broadhead Road in Edgworth, just outside Bolton, is where you can find THE TOBY INN. "Always good value, a fantastic menu, a nice atmosphere, but, most of all, friendly staff. Second to none!!" praise indeed from a fan from Wigan. A local lady writes: "We like the excellent garlic bread, the cosy atmosphere and friendly service of the staff. Wonderful food."

Longcauseway in Farnworth is where you will discover last year's BEN Restaurant of the Year JJ's RESTAURANT. A lady from Little Lever was very happy with the "excellent food, a welcome on entry, cosy surroundings."

CANNITELLO ITALIAN RESTAURANT (The Lamb Inn) on Bradshaw Road, Turton, is very popular with a Ramsbottom diner. "Simply the best Italian restaurant around -- and new!" Another gentleman writes: "It's new, it's friendly, excellent food, great view, good parking. The best Italian restaurant I know." Another lady liked it, among other reasons, because of -- "Kids special price meals, and special starters and main meal offer at £6.95 each."

TOSCANA'S on Bradshawgate in Bolton town centre has "the best food I have ever tasted, wonderful service and a nice atmosphere," says one happy diner. Another lady writes: "Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful food." Wonderful praise

THE CROWN & THISTLE at Grimehills, outside Edgworth, serves "proper food at proper prices!" Can't ask for more, really, is obviously what this gentleman from Bromley Cross feels. "Very good food at very good prices," states a diner from Bromley Cross.

SMITHILLS COACHING HOUSE in Bolton, is ever popular for its "excellent value for money, very good food and very experienced and friendly staff."

CIAO NAPOLI on Mawdsley Street, in Bolton town centre, according to a local diner has "great food and a warm atmosphere." A lady from Little Hulton writes: "Warm welcome, delicious food freshly cooked as you order, lovely atmosphere and background music. First class!"

In the centre of Bolton, on Bradshawgate, TIGGIS, continues to be a firm favourite. A Farnworth lady writes: "The food is lovely, the atmosphere and staff are wonderful and the weekend service we receive is brilliant." Another local lady appreciates its central location, airy and comfortable atmosphere and the extensive menus, including the special lunchtime menus. "The food is presented much more creatively than other restaurants," she enthuses.

CHEQUERS RESTAURANT in Westhoughton, according to a lady from Little Hulton, is "comfortable, relaxing, the staff are A1, the food is excellent". "There is nothing else to wish for!" she adds. Another fan speaks of the "welcoming atmosphere, superb food, excellent service, nothing is too much trouble" -- and the ladies toilets, which were very clean and feminine, with lots of flowers and sprays, made a very big impression on her!

LA SCALA in Westhoughton has "good food and service, is consistent every time, and is very clean," writes a local car dealer.