When it comes to traditional food there are few places in town that still hit the mark.

This place has been around since the 70s and the new owners took over around two decades ago.

Muffins is one of those unique cafes that should be given listed status, if it not already has. I mean, to keep going in the town centre after all these years deserves some sort of award in its own right.

For me, El Greco’s served the best cheese and onion pie in town but Muffins always gave it a good run for its money.

I spent many years in this café in the 90s. Mostly due to the fact it was opposite the library and served up some lovely tea and pie.

I guess it was also the antithesis of being "anti-cool", if that makes sense. Whilst everyone else was visiting the next hip place and would not be seen dead in here – I was, alongside a few pals of mine, drawn here. It had that authentic "Blackburn feel" to it, that had to be earned.

The traditional deco, the tea mugs and most of all the wooden chairs. Even the menu was wonderfully put together and looked like it had not been touched for generations.

Best of all you sat alongside people you would only ever meet in a place like this – your fellow townsfolk. Much like the punters in the former Hakeboat chippy on Railway Road, it was the people that made the place.

Enjoy the finer things in life at MuffinsOn my recent visit here, I ordered the cheese and onion pie and my guest had a fish and chips. 

Yes, I have been back over the years but I felt guilty for not having come back here sooner. As if I had been ignoring an old friend and did not know what type of welcome I would get when we finally got together.

The service as always was impeccable. We Lancashire folk don’t want to be mollycoddled. We just want the food to arrive relatively quickly, for it to taste good and get some value for money.

I am glad to say Muffins still does that. Isn’t it time you all re-visited an old friend?

This meal was paid for and the visit was unannounced.