The Spread Eagle by McLeod 9 — Restaurant in Great Britain

A Sunday Afternoon Feast at Lancashire’s Hidden Gem

The Spread Eagle by McLeod 9 is being praised as a local fine-dining gem—a charming venue with consistently superb food, attentive service, expert wine pairings, and an inviting ambience. Loyal patrons are returning again and again, calling it “their favourite eating place,” “a hidden gem,” and even “the best restaurant in Lancashire.”

We went on a Sunday afternoon to see what all the fuss was about, and it’s safe to say the praise is well deserved. From the moment we arrived, the warm and relaxed atmosphere set the tone for an afternoon of indulgence. The menu is cleverly designed around “Morsels & Measures” — beautifully crafted small plates paired with thoughtful wine selections, allowing you to explore a variety of flavours in one sitting.

Our experience began with drinks — a crisp Cruzcampo and a glass of Chianti — before diving into an array of dishes that were as visually stunning as they were delicious. The Lancashire cheese bomb with mint and truffle emulsion was a perfect balance of creamy and earthy flavours, while the Inglewhite goat cheese bon bons with plum gel provided a sharp-sweet contrast that kept us reaching for more.

The Brindle Gin cured salmon on homemade crumpet with pickled shallot and fennel was fresh, light, and elegantly presented, and the charcoaled soy and honey glazed pork belly with chimichurri was melt-in-the-mouth perfection — rich, savoury, and brightened by fresh herbs and garlic aioli. The truffle bread and butter pudding with yuzu and Gruyère was an unexpected delight, offering an indulgent twist on a classic.

Throughout the afternoon, service was impeccable — friendly, knowledgeable, and perfectly paced. It’s clear that Kiyra and her team are the heartbeat of this hidden gem, and their passion and attention to detail are a huge part of why The Spread Eagle by McLeod 9 is thriving.

If you’re looking for a dining experience that combines creativity, quality, and genuine hospitality, this is it. We left already planning...

We dined here on Saturday night and were welcomed straight away by thoughtful and attentive staff. They took us to our table, where we had an excellent view of the kitchen. We started the evening with some bubbles and both our choices matched our palettes to a tee. The first course, aptly named, 'Snippets,' were absolutely delightful. The brioche take on chicken pie was particularly tasty and the trout tartlet  was quite the refreshing nibble. Our next course was from, 'The Ground,' and we were presented with a leek and feta tortellini, with a sweet heritage tomato sauce. The dish was well presented and the sauce was delectable. The next course, 'The Sea,' was a pan-seared Orkney scallop. This was one of my favourites and I particularly enjoyed the crispy caper crumb topping. For the main course, 'The Land,' we were offered a teriyaki, miso-glazed, duck breast and a sticky, steamed duck-leg wanton. Both were cooked to perfection and the blackberry gel and kombu alioli certainly added plenty of flavour to the occasion. The wanton was a particular favourite for both of us. Finally, 'The Forest,' was our dessert. featuring, among other delights, a raspberry sorbet and elderflower curd, sprinkled with pistachio. This was the most beautifully presented dish, full of texture and flavour, executed with a precision that would easily rival any Michelin-starred  restaurant. We choose the optional cheese course next and thoroughly enjoyed three of my favourites:  Colston Bassett, Baron Bigod Brie and Comté. As if all that lovely food weren't enough, we were then presented with the most delicious petit-fours at the end of our meal, which were both visually stunning and sumptuous. All in all, we had a wonderful meal, accompanied by a modest but beautifully paired wine flight. We will return very soon, taking only our closest family and friends. For this restaurant, with its charming decor, friendly and helpful staff, delicious food and wine, will soon become one of the region's...

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An Exceptional Tasting Experience at The Spread Eagle

We had the pleasure of enjoying the September 5-course tasting menu at The Spread Eagle by McLeod 9, and it was a truly memorable evening from start to finish.

The menu was beautifully thought out, taking us on a journey from the “Snippets” through to “The Forest.” Each dish was presented with creativity and balance – the Lancashire cheese bomb was a delightful start, the black garlic and wild mushroom tortellini was rich and comforting, and the pork belly with its accompaniments was a real highlight. The final dessert, a blackberry mousse with delicate textures and flavours, was the perfect ending to the meal.

What really stood out, alongside the quality of the food, was the attentive and friendly service. The staff were knowledgeable about the dishes and wine pairings, ensuring that each course felt special without ever being rushed. We also appreciated the extra touches, from the warm welcome to the care taken in presenting and explaining each plate.

For the level of cooking, presentation, and service, the tasting menu offers exceptional value for money. It rivals fine dining experiences at much higher prices, making it an accessible yet indulgent treat.

We left feeling not only well-fed but genuinely looked after. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a refined dining experience with a...