Waterside Bar & Restaurant

Littleborough may have begun its life as a collection of scattered hamlets, renowned for their weaving, but more recent times have seen the arrival of a beautiful restaurant with an intimate and enjoyable atmosphere. Waterside Bar and Restaurant is found nestling there, in the heart of the Pennines, with the Rochdale Canal flowing lazily alongside.

The bluish purple exterior lighting glinting across the night sky makes Waterside a prominent landmark for Inghams Lane residents. Step into their spacious dining area where you are greeted with archetypal lamp stands, mellow lights and the classy, high backed leather booths, which accentuate the relaxed lounge feel. One of the greatest joys of summer is al fresco dining and even more so when there are eye-catching views of the picturesque hills, a tranquil waterway and brightly-coloured sun umbrellas to admire; a welcome change from the oh-so-chic sidewalk cafés.

Kristan Groom's menu trawls through the Mediterranean and Continental lexicon for inspiration, so the sight of beef fillet with sun-dried tomato and Rioja wine gravy, and sea bass steamed with vegetables and white grapes should come as no surprise. Their roast dinner is particularly popular, with a choice of rib eye steak, minted lamb shoulder, salted pork crackling and Tunisian lemon chicken; all served with trimmings and prepared freshly every day.

Crab-claw meat fingers make a diverting opener, served with light chive dip and chilli froth, while the usual suspects include seared queen scallops and chorizo basket, and a creamy casserole of mushrooms, garlic, herbs and white wine. This could be followed with succulent chicken and brie wrapped in Parma ham and caramelised spring onions; Lancashire meat and potato pie with a selection of vegetables, and a tower of mixed fish served with prawn and scallop cream sauce.

If you get to the finishing line with room left, there's chocolate fudge cake, Bramley apple pie and lemon cheesecake in store. If you are feeling flush you might choose Bollinger, Dom Perignon or Cristal from the carefully selected wine and champagne list, whilst the less wealthy could select some chilled beers such as Cruz Campo and Corona and toast their night at the Waterside.

So settle down with a glass of wine, relish the serene canalside setting interspersed with shafts of afternoon sunlight and some authentic cooking; it may well turn out to be an experience to remember. Their Website will help to paint a better picture.