BLUE BELLE: Change for the better

Blue Belle, Royton

THERE can be few conversions that can have had such a positive impact as the emergence of the Blue Belle at Royton.

From the smoky, pokey rooms of the beer den that was the once popular Travellers Rest, comes a light, spacious and modern establishment that is a joy to be in.

The relaxed, almost Mediterranean feel to the whole ambience puts you immediately at ease when you arrive. Its stunning use of dark browns, and woods welcome you with open arms - it is advertised as over 21s and its eclectic mix of every age range above that says it's working a treat.

We went reasonably early on a Saturday evening with somewhere to go on to later but there were already diners aplenty.

We had got drinks at the impressive bar to our left and then been shown to our table by smiling staff - the environment must be infectious.

I liked the description of an egg and potato salad as a starter and was delighted, light and tasty, while Mrs W had two giant stuffed mushrooms.

They came packed with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and red onion on a bed of baby leaf salad and the tomatoes in particular were yummy, though I was only allowed a couple to taste.

I have to say we had agonised for some time about having the £8 combo platter for two and a swift return here will probably put that firmly on the menu - before we even pick it up!

For main course I was again toying with going eclectic for a mixed grill but thought eyes might be bigger than belly and opted for a sirloin steak which I was afforded the rare luxury of ordering to my taste of medium rare as Mrs W decided she was going for a none 50/50 meal and chose pork with an apple and apricot sauce.

Both came with the now ubiquitous thick-cut stacked chips (delicious all the same) and vegetables and we both commented on how sensible portions allowed us both to feel well fed without being over-faced, something restaurants seem to be getting much better at these days.

We had lemon torte and a toffee crepe, the former delightful but the latter, on reflection, a bad choice as it was too sweet for me.

I should have stuck to my guns and had the cheese. We had coffee to round off a very well prepared and presented meal and then retired to the bar where others were just sharing a drink - and bumped into some friends which extended the evening somewhat...

Unusually, Blue Belle is an all-day affair with breakfasts, lunches and evening meals served from early morning onwards. Well worth a visit.