Chef to celebrities Dan Jolley is holding a sneak preview of his new fine-dining restaurant ahead of its official opening later this month.

Dan, who is from Blackburn and went to Darwen Vale school, is opening his new CDJ Riverside bistro in Branch Road, Lower Darwen, on Thursday, July 25, in the former Uncle Jack's pub.

Ahead of the opening, Dan, who trained at Northcote Manor under the watchful eye of Nigel Haworth, is holding an exclusive event for the Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone Patron Network.

Patrons will get the chance to see the contemporary bar and kitchen, which will serve up "tapas with attitude" and classic bistro dishes.

Dan worked in a number of top restaurants in London and Paris before returning to the North West, where he was a private chef catering for a host of Premier League footballers including Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Manchester United players Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount.

He opened CDJs in Duckworth Street, Darwen, last year but is now moving to bigger premises in Lower Darwen.

The new CDJ Riverside is just down the road from Ewood Park, the home of Dan's beloved Blackburn Rovers.

 

Business leaders who are part of the Youth Zone Patron network will be treated to a selection of canapés based on the menu at the bistro, and get a first glimpse of the new restaurant.

 

Wayne Wild, chair of Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, said:  “We’re thrilled to be getting a preview of Dan’s exciting new venue, and we can’t wait to sample his cooking.

"It will be a great event for our patrons to connect with each other and to be updated on the latest impact from Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone. 

“The Supper Clubs aim to unite business leaders who are members of the patron network.

"We currently have a growing network of 74 patrons who all share the belief in supporting the next generation of young people.

"If any local business leaders are interested in attending the Supper Clubs and becoming a Patron, please get in touch with us via our website.”  

CDJ Riverside will offer tapas classics such as patatas bravas and meatballs, along with a number of other dishes including egg yolk ravioli, barbecue beetroot salad and clotted cream cheesecake.

Steak nights will run on Thursdays, with banquet-style Sunday roasts for diners to enjoy a feast.

A separate steak menu is available on Thursdays and Sunday roasts will be served ‘banquet-style’ where everyone shares a traditional family feast. 

Diners can choose between informal dining in a relaxed bar area or the light and spacious new restaurant with open pass and chef’s table. 

CDJ Riverside opens to the general public on Thursday July 25. Reservations can be made online at: www.cdj-riverside.co.uk