Bake & Roast @Smithills Hall — Restaurant in Bolton

In not knowing what to expect, our breaths were taken away as on entry to Bake & Roast, you immediately walk through history as you enter into this manor house. At first, you think you’re having lunch in a historically set tearoom, but quickly realize this isn’t the case as Bake & Roast have brought a modern look that welcomes you with comfort and LOTS of light. One wall of this tearoom has such a large window that it almost gives you the impression of having lunch on the patio, overlooking a spectacular garden.

The hosts were incredibly friendly, and their smiles quickly made you feel welcome.

Before selecting which table, you’d like to dine at, you notice the freshly baked pies and colorful cakes. An assortment of homemade goodness that soon makes you realize you need to factor in dessert too!

The menu is well-priced and though not overbearing, you can easily find a meal that will tickle most appetites. For those adventurous foodies, Bake & Roast offer a twist to some of the traditional pies and due to being a lover of most unique recipes, we had to order some of each as a takeaway for later (these new tastes did not disappoint at all).

The meal I had decided on was the traditional sandwich and soup combo, and wow! When this meal arrived, it was much larger than what I expected, the ingredients were incredibly fresh, and the love put into each item on the plate was very obvious.

Normally not one to finish a large plate of food, the bread and salad were so light that I was able to enjoy every bite. I can highly recommend the soup, as it was rich and thick, and presented in the perfect size soup cup.

The hosts were very proud of their tearoom and took great pleasure in showing us the history behind this venue. Having heard some of the stories of the estate and in having them gladly show us around parts of the establishment, this created a little space, which meant a cup of tea and freshly made scones could be enjoyed.

Very truly a place that knows how to make the heart and stomach happy.

We highly recommend this venue for your coffee dates, light lunches, afternoon...

Visited these tea rooms for the first time today . We sat outside because we had the dog with us , ordered two hot chocolates & 1 scone with cream / jam . The girl that served me wasn’t sure how to use the hand held device to put orders on so I can only assume the manager / supervisor came to help her I stood waiting patiently ( everyone has to learn ) . I paid £11.25 giving her £12 saying put the change in the tips . Scone was lovely drink also . I took the plates back to save them the job only to be asked by an older lady did you pay I said yes I did she looked at me with doubt , I then told her about the girl who took the money & the man who came to help her he then appeared , I said you were there when I paid cause the girl cudnt use the machine I said don’t you remember he said no , I wudnt mind there was only myself & hubby outside not like it was busy . They both stood there looking at me as though I was lying it was most uncomfortable I said I have paid the man said “don’t worry I’m not going to make you pay again “ OMG No apology nothing I walked away feeling guilty for something I hadn’t done . It was how they stood looking at me I was sooo annoyed. All I can say is get a receipt...

This place is absolutely stunning, perfect for family time. Dog walking. And quite time.

Only resone for none five star, is that this place is made absolutely stunning by the volunteers, that maintain the gardens to such a high standards.

If I am incorrect I will up to five star rated. But do not see any evidence in place to support the volunteers. On this site by the cafe or the council.

This cafe or place without the volunteers would not do as well in my opinion. If the outside was overgrown, full of weeds also in a poor state, public might not come.

I would like to see a donation box for reduced rate coffee, tea, also food for the volunteers in place, so public can purchase food hot drinks and refreshments to the team at reduced costs. That are going above and beyond to keep cafe going. Also making this a bolton council number one tourists spot.

Neil collier ( Director) Euro Sanitation...