It Sear Westhoughton — Restaurant in Bolton

We ate here last, week table for 2. Only used the bar previously and fancied a steak. Began by asking for a bottle of wine. Asked to take a seat in the bar (so that they could ensure our table was ready) and our wine would be brought over to us in the bar.

About 8 mins later as apparently they had run out of wine glasses, we were shown to our table (no drinks yet and lots of empty tables) with the unopened wine bottle plonked on the table. As the waitress walked away I think she remembered it was a corked bottle and we couldn't open it ourselves. She duly returned, took the bottle to get a cork screw and opened it, again plonking it on the table, walking off. A nice bottle or Rioja Crianza.

Starters, hummus with flatbread and the crispy pork belly. Great Hummus with 2 tiny pieces of what appeared to be half a chapatti. The pork belly was fantastic.

Simple mains of 8oz fillet, 10oz ribeye, both asking for them to be cooked medium with skinny fries. Just prior to our mains coming out the chef came to our table to tell us he'd accidentally cooked 2 fillets, not a ribeye. Do we want the fillet without paying extra or he could take one fillet away and cook the ribeye? As we wanted to eat together we opted to take the fillets. At this stage we were the last diners of the evening. Everybody else has either left or about to leave.

The 2 fillets served looked great, fantastic size and nicely presented When you cut into them, they were sadly over cooked. Grey with a very faint redness in the very middle, not medium and very dry. Probably kept too long on the griddle / hotplate? Sides, we would have definitely had enough with only one side of skinny fries as they were plentiful. However you could smell / taste the oil they'd been cooked in, permeating the air. Either cheap or needed to be refreshed.

Now I'm not averse to pouring my own wine, but when you have so many fantastic restaurants in and around Westhoughton, it's a nice little gesture and an opener between patron and staff. As the last diners of the evening it seemed to us we were a hindrance to closing. Evidenced by the last 2 steaks of the evening being incorrect and the waiting staff seemingly more content to stand and face the serving hatch on their phones. Rather than seeing to the customers.

Neither of us finished our mains / sides and decided to savour the remaining wine in our coveted glasses before leaving. The final nail was when we were asked abruptly "are them done" as a finger pointed at our wine glasses.

There are other steak restaurants in Westhoughton where the experience is worlds apart, but very similarly priced. I wish the restaurant well but we'll not be eating "it...

I’m very disappointed by this Bar's choice to associate with individuals who promote racist and divisive content online.

The subtle racism associated with this shop’s affiliates is very concerning. After looking at the “2 Angry Vets” TikTok account that - It Sear support it’s clear they often target minority groups and people of colour — especially anyone in a position of influence — with negative or dismissive posts. It’s disappointing to see a business entertain or endorse that kind of content. No one should have to question whether prejudice is being quietly promoted under the guise of “opinion.” I won’t be supporting this shop and encourage others to be aware of the values they choose to back.

It’s upsetting to see a business give space or support to such divisive rhetoric. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, and businesses should reflect those values, not invite supporters of Tommy Robbinson with his last Unite the kingdom rally in London which was disgusting, some of the things that were said on stage about minority groups...

Visited Its Sear with friends to try it out tonight. Absolutely LOVED the experience. The decor impressed as soon as we walked in; modern, warm and welcoming. We ordered cocktails and they were all well made and STRONG 🍹 we were impressed to see all the beers on tap were imported, not UK-brewed copies. Our starters looked modest in portion size when they arrived but packed a super flavourful punch and were totally satisfying. For mains we had ribeye steaks and they were cooked to perfection, succulent and tender. The potato gallette were to die for. Even the veg sides were perfectly cooked and delicious. Everything tasted fresh made and with high quality ingredients. Highly recommended and we look forward to...