Vettriano Restaurant, Chorley New Road, Bolton

There is off-road parking situated at the front of the restaurant and the establishment seats around 60 people

First impressions were good. A neon-lit menu at the doorway, sheltered below a canopy, simplistic frontage leading into the largest of two adjacent rooms.

These are faintly lit by candlelight to produce a cosy and relaxing interior, accompanied by soft music which adds to the friendly yet romantic atmosphere.

The three-course earlybird menu at £9.95 -- on offer seven days a week from 5.30 to 7.30pm -- is an excellent attraction either for early diners or for those who want, like us, to try out the restaurant for the first time.

The menu comprises contemporary dishes and varies depending on which particular evening you visit.

We ate on a Tuesday evening and although we were one of only a few parties there on our arrival at 6.30pm, we were soon joined by a full room of customers before we left around 8pm to go to the cinema just up the road at Middlebrook.

There was a range of six starters, from melon topped with a sorbet of the day to steamed mussels in tomato and garlic sauce.

I chose the fanned avocado salad with chilli jam and garnished with beetroot compote. The creamy texture of the vegetable and vivid beetroot accompanied by the distinctive sauce was a winning combination.

Tasty dish

It was everything a starter should be, light, but tasty -- a good introduction to the main course.

My partner ordered the tomato and basil soup, which arrived with the customary bread roll and butter. I also received a bread roll and we were offered extra throughout our meal.

As she consumed the tasty dish, my partner overheard the lady on the table adjacent pronounce the mussels as 'excellent', but complained slightly to her husband that a side dish to place the empty shells would not have gone amiss.

The main course menu of six dishes, included Bangers and Mash (Cumberland sausage with spring onion mash in Jus with red onions and relish).

I opted for Salmon Supreme, which arrived in an olive brioche with yellow pimento sauce and noisette potatoes.

Supreme was the word. The salmon was succulently baked and the vegetables and sauce were excellent. My partner opted for the poached chicken with tomato, mushroom and a red wine sauce, which reminded her of the chicken cacciatore she had previously experienced in various Italian restaurants.

Desserts

Finally for the desserts. With a choice from three sweets and a selection of ice creams, I opted for Bread and Butter pudding with sauce Anglaise which was very tasty, although a little soggy.

My partner, who had won the toss to try out the Wild Berry Cheesecake, soon wished she hadn't as it proved too rich for her liking, and she described it as having the consistency of Philadelphia cheese.

But it wasn't worth complaining -- we had experienced an excellent evening, and great value too.

The service was pleasant and attentive, without being intrusive. There are no specific vegetarian meals, and no children's menu although children were there happily dining with parents.

The total bill for the evening weighed in at just £27.75, which included one glass of the house dry white wine, a sparkling mineral water and two coffees which came with the usual mint chocolates.

We would have no hesitation in recommending Vettriano to any of our friends, and we will definitely visit the establishment again.

HOW TO GET THERE: From Bolton town centre, go along Topp Way, right, up St Georges Road to the junction of Chorley Old Road and Chorley New Road. Turn left along Chorley New Road towards Horwich. Through the lights by Bolton School and look for Newlands slightly further along on the left.

Vettriano

Chorley New Road

Bolton

Star Rating: HHHH

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HHHH Menu HHHH

Quality of Food HHHH

AtmosphereService HHHH

Children's Menu N/A

Vegetarian Dishes N/A

Disabled Access HH

Value for Money HHHH