Blackpool is enjoying something of a renaissance more recently, and whilst the reputation for bright and breezy is never too far away - and why should it not be - there is now a wider spread of expectations from those who come to enjoy this icon of British seaside entertainment.

ToasT Cafe Bar and Grill Restaurant sets out to meet these head on, offering something for everybody, with a Taste Lancashire Quality Assured award to demonstrate their success in so doing. Located in Corporation Street Toast is not far from the Grand Theatre, Blackpool's famous Tower and the Winter Gardens, and close enough to the city centre nightlife if it's the clubs and bars you are after later in the evening.

As with most things in Blackpool, there's nothing particularly formal about ToasT. Most people are there to enjoy and relax, and escaping from formality is high on the list. So too is the freshly cooked food, the ingredients for which are sourced locally wherever possible.

One of the delights of being away from home on holiday is the relaxed breakfast prepared for you by somebody else and at ToasT it's on offer all day, so no risk of feeling deprived if you're a late riser. A Lancashire rarebit to start the day is made from Bowland Cheddar cheese and bacon, and baked beans are the product of Mr Heinz, so have that extra zing factor.

Later in the day the speciality sandwiches such as chicken Club triple decker do more than just fill a gap, and different types of more conventional sandwich keep all tastes happy. Toast is a place where imagination is positively encouraged amongst both customers and staff. More substantial dishes might include the highly popular beer battered haddock and chips, with fresh fish from nearby Fleetwood, chilli con carne and a delightful steak and ale pie, the meat slow-cooked for full flavour and tenderness.

Amongst the burgers look out for the Blue and Black version, a 6oz steak seasoned with Cajun spices and topped with blue cheese. Plenty of pasta dishes have salmon and prawn, tomato and basil or tuna and sweetcorn amongst their constituents, and light bites of loaded potato skins, prawn cocktail and lamb koftas are also popular.

Every day from 5pm ToasT shifts mode, with the emphasis on an à la carte menu that offers more elaborate dishes such as blackened salmon, apricot pork, Bowland lamb shoulder and a nice range of tapas, fast becoming one of Britain's established must-haves.

A well annotated wine list offers a good range by the glass and a French house selection that gives full value for money. The net is well cast with Argentina, South Africa, Italy and California all included. Service is of the sort given by staff who are clearly valued and trained, and as a result enjoy their work, hence well-pleased customers.

Do check on their Website for special events, menu changes and other details.