Elliot's Bistro — Restaurant in Chorley

We (Tracey and I) both think that average food can be improved by great service and vice versa BUT good food does not make up for bad service (or vice versa) and that is how we felt about NYE at Elliots. On arrival it was torrential rain outside so we came in with an umbrella in hand and dripping despite having only crossed the car-park. My wife announced that we had a table booked and gave our name only to be asked if we had a reservation. We were then given a choice of two tables both in the middle of the room with a creche on one side and a playroom on the other - our fault for booking a table so early. The waitress didn’t ask to take our coats or tell us where we could hang them. Having found the designated hooks we sat down at the chosen table however weren’t offered a drink. A few minutes later we asked the passing waitress for a wine menu and shortly after our drink choice was taken. Once the drinks arrived we ordered our food but we were left with the menus in front of us…… I had calamari which unfortunately was on the verge of being over-done and Mrs A had the mushrooms in gorgonzola which was absolutely divine. Our mains came - pork loin for me and I couldn’t fault it, slightly pink with a cracking cider jus and veg on the right side of done and chicken souvlaki for Mrs A with chunky chips, very tasty but the chicken was slightly dry on the end pieces. During the starters or the mains no one came to ask if the food was to our liking, which considering the restaurant wasn’t busy and there were plenty of waiting staff working there was no excuse for the poor service we received. The table was cleared and it was only then that we were asked if the food had been ok. We declined sweets and after finishing our wine I went to the bar to pay, as the waiting staff were more interested in the conversation they were having with the bar man and although the waitress saw me get up she asked me what table I was sat on. I collected our coats and we left walking past the 5 waiting staff who were back at the bar chatting to the bar man. None of them acknowledged our leaving so we left feeling very underwhelmed. To sum up our overall experience it would be disappointingly poor service and only slightly above...

Oh my.... what a pleasure to have been introduced to Elliott's, Whittle le Woods by my son and daughter in law. We went for Sunday evening dinner. Two menu's, lots of varied choice, also catering for vegetarians. I ordered from the Market Menu. Choice was 2 x courses £16.95. 3 x courses £19.95. I initially opted for 2 x courses....There is a choice of starters, mains and dessert dishes...I was torn for choice!...I opted for carrot soup and can honestly say I have never tasted soup so good!...I highly recommend this soup, if it is soup of the day....main course I chose chicken roast dinner. My son had beef. I initially thought the plate portion size was a little on the small side, however I was sooo wrong. I cannot complement the chef's enough on this meal. In one word - perfect. Very well presented and I have never tasted roast potatoes like it!!!.... Absolutely delicious. A faultless meal. I quickly changed my option to 3 x courses, I just had to try the sticky toffee pudding....the best I've had. Accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream and with a sprinkling of biscuit crumbs this was an amazing combination... I most definitely highly recommend this Elliott's. The manager is very hands on and hard working, as are his staff. He does not let them stand around, he ensures that they are polite, helpful, willing and able. Quite something to achieve with some of the youths of today, but he runs the restaurant to perfection. Relatively small, on the main road from Bamber Bridge to Chorley, this place has a great atmosphere. There is a car park. Almost every table was occupied and as guests left the turnaround was fast. We did not feel rushed and this place has become my new favourite go to!!...close to the M61 and M6 motorways, whether you are local or passing, please bear Elliott's Whittle le Woods in mind, it is most definitely worth a visit. Photos are of both mine and my...

This was our first time at Eliot's Bistro and we were not disappointed...until the very end.

The food was fantastic. Nice sized portions, beautifully presented and just enough to feel satisfied without feeling uncomfortable afterwards.

I had battered haddock tacos to start, followed by rump of lamb on creamed potatoes served with asparagus and peas with a red wine jus. My wife had scallops and chorizo for her starter and the chicken skewer and flat bread for her main

Sorry no photos, but trust me it was art on a plate, without being pretentious.

The atmosphere was good and lively and the whole place had a nice buzz about it despite it being a dismal, dreary, soggy British summer's day.

Sadly on ordering dessert/third course it went ary. I opted for the cheese board and my wife for the hazelnut chocolate ganache with raspberry gel.

My wife's dessert was perfect and she commented that the crumble it was served with gave it a nice contrast in textures.

My cheese board however was served with stale crackers. Of all the things not to mess up on surely shop bought crackers are it. I wasn't expecting anything home made or artisan, but forgive me if I am wrong, fresh crispy crackers are a must. To be fair this was rectified at the point of paying.

Sadly the other issue was the waiting-on staff. They were very pleasant and polite, but sadly not very alert or attentive. At no point during the meal were we asked if everything was okay. They could have easily sold us a second cocktail at the start of the night and a second bottle of what has to be said was delicious red wine from Sicily. But sadly they were not interested.

All in all a positive experience and reasonably priced but some extra attention to detail would make this establishment a stand out restaurant...