DEBENHAMS has just unveiled a multi-million pound refurbishment and extension to its Blackburn department store.

The restaurant is one facility which has undergone changes.

The first impression is of a bright, modern and spacious eating area, where the staff are friendly and attentive, though there didn’t seem too many of them, so service was a little slow.

On the menu you’ll find hot meals, such as battered fish and chips and a traditional carvery roast — the day we dined the choice was turkey — as well as sandwiches, salads, soups and freshly toasted panini.

I opted for a ‘generously filled’ — it wasn’t — jacket potato, with cheese and coleslaw, which cost £4.39. It was a good job the potato was soft and buttery, because I had hoped for more than a sprinkling of cheddar.

My dining partner went for the individually baked macaroni cheese, which was quite pricey at £6.49 but her plate was then piled high with chips, carrots and peas.

The pasta was declared very tasty, though the chips tasted as though they had been standing some time. And why can’t eateries be more adventurous with the choice of vegetables offered?

Maybe garlic bread could have been a better accompaniment?

Dessert was a piece of gooey carrot cake, £1.95, which was soft and light and one in a choice of indulgent cakes and pastries on offer, before we finished with a small latte, at £2.15.

It’s early days for the new-look eatery but it does show promise.

VERDICT

  • Food: 6
  • Drink: 7
  • Service: 7
  • Atmosphere: 7
  • Value: 6