The Fat Loaf

The Fat Loaf is the sort of neighbourhood restaurant every neighbourhood needs. It’s unpretentious and friendly with cooking that you might expect from somewhere grander.

The menu includes plenty of small plates – from simple but well-made garlic and herb focaccia to scallops served in the half-shell with a creamy onion sauce or chorizo and lightly-spiced couscous. You get the idea.

Main dishes include steaks – with the option of some bonus foie gras – and dishes like guinea fowl breast served with braised cabbage and leg meat, baked turnip and chicken livers which is a lot more ambitious than you’d expect for a nondescript parade of shops in the suburbs. Suppliers are often local; from Dewlay’s for the Lancashire cheese which takes centre stage in some smashing cheese & onion pies to greens from Glebelands which is just round the corner.

The Fat Loaf is the perfect date night restaurant for when you’ve moved beyond big romantic gestures. The food is impressive enough to make the evening seem special but the place is low-key enough that you can just relax and chat without worrying about your outfit – or the bill. The Fat Loaf is very good value considering the dishes available.

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