As a child I was fascinated by Little Scotland. We used to drive through on our way to Aspull when I went out with my grandparents. It was little because it was literally a tiny country lane, but I'm not sure about the Scotland bit...
In the middle of rambling fields and winding lanes you will find Suzanna's. Just outside Blackrod, and very much a step back in time to the bit that escaped development.
I remember this building being Gallagher's, a friend of my grandad's. Funnily enough, although I was aware of its presence for many years, I don't actually know anyone who went there, perhaps that is why it is now Suzanna's!
After visiting the restaurant with cake club I couldn't wait to go and try the new menu. I called the very next day for a reservation! The decor and staff had already won me over, so I had high expectations for the food. Suzanna is a lovely lady; passionate about her work, the food and her family, but also well travelled and has eaten at some of my favourite restaurants. I was sure this was going to be a good experience! Likewise, her chef Mike has worked for some big names such as Gary Rhodes, Shaun Rankin and Lancashire's own Nigel Haworth.
They didn't let me down. My husband and I went on Friday night. I had been dreaming of the assiette of desserts that she had teased me with on Monday...
We started with a small aperitif, not something I expected for a restaurant nestled between Blackrod and Haigh! It was a piece of ham terrine with a lovely quail scotch egg on top.
We didn't have starters because we both fancied a dessert (some piglet might have been out for lunch as well...) My husband had the Pork Three Ways, and I opted for the burger. I always find a burger is a good test of a restaurant. Easy to get right, but equally easy to make a right pig's ear of it.
Both were lovely. What Suzanna's seem to be able to do is serve homely food, but they also capture enough of the fine dining element to make the trip feel a little more special than your average town restaurant.
My burger was well seasoned and cooked to perfection. They make their own burger sauce too. The skinny fries were really tasty, and I particularly liked the fact they had their skin on.
The pork dish includes a fillet wrapped in bacon, confit belly and ham hock terrine. It's served with dauphinoise potatoes and a local cider sauce.
If I'm being honest, I could have quite happily just gone to Suzanna's for desserts. Reading through the menu, I could have easily tried everything they had to offer! Traditional desserts, all homemade, all tempting me... Then there is the assiette. One of almost everything on the menu. I was dreaming of this all day whilst being dragged round the Trafford Centre by my mother...
This is one of my favourite desserts ever. It's a true tasting platter! None of this trio malarky!
From left to right (clockwise) we have trifle, bakewell tart, vanilla ice cream, cinnamon ice cream, sticky toffee pudding, lemon tart and carrot cake. We 'shared' it. I have no shame in telling you that I could have devoured the entire plate myself. I loved it.
I would happily recommend Suzanna's. We had a relaxing evening with great food. We'll definitely be making a return visit!
Please leave your thoughts below...
Disclaimer: Suzanna's did not pay me to write this review. I did so because their assiette played on my mind all week. When finally devoured, I was one happy camper.
Last week I asked Twitter which restaurants do the best desserts in the North West. Lots of people were suggesting places that I had already been to, but I really wanted to try somewhere new. Quite a few suggested the Northern Quarter Restaurant, so off we trot!
