Despite the lockdown a number of new food outlets have opened up serving up a range of meals.

My Chaii, Shear Brow

For something completely different head to My Chaii which only opened to the public in December. Top sellers here tend to be the Parmesans – a mix of chicken breast, cheese and salad (£6.45). Or you could go for the paninis which include a peri peri chicken option. A real mix of items on the menu here from the Breakfast tray (£5.95) to a range of mocktails. The portions are certainly filling and some might find them a little too filling!

If you still have room after all that, they even have fresh donuts on sale. There’s always room for donuts. Anyone for pink tea or ginger chai?

Best to order well ahead as they can get busy on weekends.

Karahi n Kebab, Copy Nook

There is something quite wonderful about walking into a place and realising that they still serve the ‘classic kebab roll’. This favourite of South Asian/Middle Eastern Cuisine has long been forgotten by some food outlets who want to wow you with the their latest £5 offering. Here at the Karahi n Kebab it sits proudly as a main feature on the main menu and the lamb version will set you back only £2.49!

If you are feeling really adventurous you could go for the wonderfully named Lahori Masala fish (cod) kebab roll meal (£6) or the Malai Boti Roll meal (£6). A big seller is the freshly made Chapli kebab as are the range of curries which are sold in kilos.

They also have something for the whole family that stands out from the crowd – The Tawas – which offer absolutely everything (and I mean everything). They come as Starter Tawas (£12) and the Signature Tawas (priced at £65 but well worth the investment).

16th Street, Preston New Road

Some places develop a cult following no matter where they are. The 16th Street has quickly bult up a reputation for serving up some fabulous gourmet style burgers. These come as among others - the Volcano Burger and the Cartel Burger which might set you back a few quid more than other takeaways – but here you are paying for the ‘honour’ of tasting something quite special. It is welcoming to see them going for the traditional ‘thick’ chips rather than those frozen fries you get served elsewhere. Great presentation too which makes a big difference.

Order in advance online but give yourself at least 45 minutes during busy times. Not entirely new but certainly in new premises. Now based at their new home at the Woodlands on Preston New Road.

Frango’s Fried and Grill, Whalley New Road

Blackburn and Darwen already has some pretty decent fried and grilled and he is the most recent addition? Frango’s which hit town in October serves up a range of fried and grilled chicken items such as wraps and burgers.  Prices are on par with some of the other branded fried chicken joints in town but the newly renovated premises may be a draw for some.

And if you don’t prefer the chicken you could opt for something on the extensive pizza list. The familiar items on there but the Frango Special stands out.

Lazeeza Karahi, Johnson Street

Curries come in all types of weight and spices and then there is £24 per kilo Lahori lamb karahi being offered here. In fact, the list of food on offer makes for some interesting reading. The Lazeeza Grill (£10), the tawa mixed Grill (£30) sit alongside an extensive list of curries (regular £4.50 and large £5.50 plus). Then there are the list of burgers and kebabs.

I did also like the outdoor catering section too which at another time of year will certainly be something to opt for. I mean, why go to the hassle of cooking for a large group when you can order it all in. A grand three course meal for ten people will set you back £100. Just make sure they are members of you own family and you all live in the same house.