Firstly, sorry for not posting as often as I really want to – I have my reasons! It has been a roller coaster ride for the past month or so! Long story cut short, I quit my job, went of holiday abroad, got a temp role and now I’ve started my new role! Hectic right?
Quitting my job was probably one of the biggest decision of my life and I kept thinking, “what if I can’t get a job after this?” But it was something I had to do. I was mentally and physically unhappy and this took a toll on my health. Overworked and underpaid. It got to that stage when you think: enough is enough. But because of this decision, I was lucky to get two jobs in the space of two weeks. So when you feel like you can’t do anymore, just take that jump. Even though it’s scary, even though you’re jumping into the unknown of life, you will know that anything will be better than where you was. Maybe all you need is to take a step back and think. Breathe. New doors will always open for the better.
So after all this, a week before my current role, I took a trip to Blackburn, UK with my boyfriend. Those who know where Blackburn is… Well, it’s not that most spectacular destination in the UK. It’s not near the coast nor is it a big city. It’s just a little town. Up north. His sister and brother-in-law were based there so we decided to pay a visit.
After 3 trains, running across platforms to make our connecting trains, we finally made it there in 3hrs 35mins from London! Believe me when I say running across platforms with 5-inch heels AND your luggage is not advisable! But all in all, we made it in one piece so that’s all that matters right?!
Setting down our luggage in their place, we didn’t realise we were travelling again! They were so kind to book a table for 06:30PM so out we went! The place was called Boars Head Hoghton. It took less than a minute and we taken to our seat by a polite, young waiter.
The menu was of pub food but… A fancier version! There was so many to choose from. Everyone got a starter but I decide to go with the nibbles and got the Cauliflower Fritters. It was basically cauliflower dipped in batter and fried till it became crispy. I personally wasn’t anything special, slightly bland so you can imagine my excitement to indulge into our next course.
We swiftly moved onto the main course and it was a struggle to choose from! There were so many choices and I was stuck between 2! In the end, I went with the special of the day and ordered the Slow Cooked Lamp Rump and I didn’t regret it! The lamb was pretty pink and I’m not one that likes anything raw, red and pink! But when I bit into it, it was like heaven in the mouth – it was just so tender. The dish was beautiful bar the barley, which didn’t take my fancy.
Beetroot, Sweet Potato Puree, Barley, Mushy Peas, Mash Potatoes, and Lamb
As they all say: there’s always room for dessert! Out of 6 of us, only 3 had dessert. And yes, I was one of them! We decided to order 3 different varieties so we can try 3 that jumped out and said ‘eat me, eat me’. From Classic Crème Brûlée, Sticky Toffee Pudding with Custard and Warm Cream and Warm Chocolate Brownie with Ice-Cream, it was no doubt the perfect desserts! Sticky Toffee Pudding was a dessert that I rarely order because it’s just too sweet for my tooth! But I decided to give it a go and I have to admit, it was sweet-a-licious! Without the warm cream, I think I would’ve ended up at an emergency dentist. But the warm cream helped decreased it and it was like the perfect dessert to end such a good night.
Scrumptious Sticky Toffee Pudding with a pool of Custard and a strawberry on top!
Overall, I would recommend the Boars Head Hoghton to anyone who is in or goes pass the Lancashire – Preston/Blackburn region. The service was excellent – the times between each course was perfect as there was time to relax and then move onto the next one. The price was reasonable, not your standard cheap, pub food but why not pay a little extra for dishes that could possibly match those of fine-dining?
Boars Head Hoghton is a Country Gastro Pub and restaurant located in between Preston and Blackburn. It’s excellent modern interior design and, with a building that dates back to the 16th century makes it even more of a phenomenal experience.
Service Rating: 5/5
Food Rating: 5/5
A Teardrop of Dreams 