Sandgrounder Spotlight

Morris Dancers (Beefeater), Scarisbrick

Watch this space!

Chocolate Whirled, Manchester Road

The guys at Chocolate Whirled have generously provided a clutch of their XXL Easter Eggs to give away in our Easter Competition for a number of years. Magnificent though they are, they're only as small part of what lurks inside this wonderful building. Although it opens as a shop and cafe one or two days each week, offering a cornucopia of chocolate goodies, milkshakes, ice creams and lots of other treats, the bulk of the magic happens deeper into the building in their well-appointed kitchen. Chocolate Workshops are offered to children, families, friends and groups under the patient and professional supervision of owners Laura and Simon.

Having heard rave reviews about the workshops, a gaggle of Sandgrounder Radio presenters, staff and family set out to discover what the fuss was all about. The Magnificent Severn were: breakfast presenter Hayley, husband Jordan and little Paddy, presenter Sorcha and daughter Elvie and Commercial Director Sammi and husband Paul - so, a real mix of ages from 20 months right up to 56 years old.

Before we headed to the kitchen we took a moment out of the sunshine to cool down with a delicious milk shake. There were lots of flavours on offer but the majority were split between classic chocolate and mint choc chip. Once refreshed we were ushered into the kitchen area where Simon and Laura gave us a run down on what would be happening while supervising us popping on rather attractive blue hair nets and aprons before thoroughly washing our hands.

Laura and Simon talked us through creating three chocolate treats, all of which we would be able to take home. We started with a lollipop and could choose which pattern we would like to have printed on one side, and whether we wanted white, milk or dark chocolate. Paul and Jordan (both serious chocolate fans) were thrilled when our hosts explained that it was bad form to waste chocolate so whatever was left at each stage could be guzzled on the spot. Little Elvie had chocolate from ear to ear almost from the word go and Paddy was enjoying licking out the mini-bowls of warm running chocolate.

Next up was a bar of chocolate. We could design our own pattern which would be picked out with one colour of chocolate and then enveloped by a contrasting colour. Paul picked a rather technically accurate drawing of a train, Sammi chose a floral design and others varied from names and writing to abstract patterns. 

Last up, Simon announced that we would be making chocolate pizzas. Hearing the words chocolate and pizza in the same sentence almost had Paul fainting with happiness. Pouring the molten white chocolate as a base we then added grated 'cheese' chocolate before decorating with sweets and tiny cubes of fudge.

All the way through the workshop three machines quietly worked in the background tempering the chocolate, rivulets of glistening liquid gorgeousness swirling up and around - it was quite mesmerising to watch. In fact, at one point we thought Jordan was in a trance!

To say that we enjoyed our experience was an understatement - we had an amazing time. Laura and Simon were thorough, patient and entertaining and we found the whole process completely fascinating. Leaving the shop clutching our brown paper bags filled with chocolate created with our own hands, we were bubbling with excitement.

The workshop we attended was their Traditional Family Workshops, although it was slightly shorter for us as little Paddy had a birthday party to attend later. Normally participants also get to make their very own hot chocolate stirrers too. Priced at £26.40pp they can accommodate between three and 12 people. There are other types of workshops available too, just click on the link above for more information.

We can totally recommend it!

 

 

The Grand, Lord Street - 21st Dec 2022

We sent our Commercial Director Sammi Rudge along to The Grand on Lord Street. As sponsors of our Advent Competition we were curious about one of their advertised Christmas offers …

”My friend and I were booked onto the Festive Bottomless Brunch. I’ve been twice before for their standard BB and had a fantastic time on both occasions. The festive version is slightly more expensive but well worth it as there were extra ‘Christmas‘ cocktails to choose from and a lot more food! The food was delicious but defeated us unfortunately and we did end up leaving some - but it wasn’t for the lack of trying! Food highlights included the Turkey & Stuffing Sliders which came with a little jug of the most delicious gravy! The Breaded Brie with cranberry was also really yummy! We attempted to make our way down the drinks list and managed to get as far as the pink gin! The Mulled Berry Spritz though was our favourite - really refreshing and Christmassy! 

Food and drink aside, the venue is simply stunning. Sumptuous, deep buttoned velvet booths, opulent decor in rich blues and gold and an overarching air of classic sophistication. That said, there is a chilled, relaxed atmosphere that attracts an eclectic mix of shoppers, ‘ladies that lunch’, young families and friends celebrating this and that. This mix of customers makes for a truly comfortable vibe. The inviting winged chairs sit in the huge windows literally beckoning passers by to come in and take a break.

What truly makes The Grand though - the cherry on top of the delicious cake - is the staff. Every single team member we met was bubbling with pride and enthusiasm for their product. Michael is an exceptional host who makes customers feel valued and extremely welcome and Amy, our server yesterday was delightful and fully committed to ensuring we were having a good time. 

You needn’t worry about ‘getting your moneys worth’ from the bottomless drinks - they don’t let your glass empty even once before popping over and getting your next order. As a guide, we’ve enjoyed an average of seven drinks each visit. At a conservative £7 per drink that would be £49 at the bar. The festive brunch is £45 and standard £40 - making the very generous small plates provision absolutely free! 

Highly recommended and I’m sure to be back again and again.”

 

 

Signature Bistro, Churchtown - 2nd Dec 2022

Last night we sent our Commercial Director, Sammi, along to Churchtown’s newest venue - Signature Bistro, to sample the first night of their evening offer. 

Signature opened just two weeks ago and has already gathered a clutch of eager daytime clientele. Open during the day from Wednesday until Sunday, this bright and friendly café holds a fantastic corner location in Churchtown village. Just a few minutes walk from the Botanic Gardens, the venue welcomes muddy boots and paws and serves a selection of drinks, cakes, pastries and hot meals. 

At the weekend though, the venue transforms into a relaxed yet sophisticated dinner spot. Open Friday and Saturday from 5pm you can choose from a selection of fine dining dishes including scallops, sea bass and confit duck. 

Sammi and her husband Paul dined opening night and were delighted with the experience created by owner Ryan (a very accomplished chef) and front of house maestro, Matt …

“The first thing that struck is is how warm and welcoming the restaurant looks from the street. Its corner location and massive windows makes you feel like it’s beckoning you inside. 

Once through the door, the decor is an eclectic mix of styles which seems to work very well and immediately puts you at ease. The second thing we noticed was the music - it sounds silly but it’s so important to get that right as it sets the tone - and here we had a playlist of 80s and 90s bangers from acts such as The Communards, A-ha, Tenpole Tudor and The B52’s. Even before we ordered our drinks we already felt happy and at home. 

Our drinks arrived swiftly and in lovely glasses. I’m a bit of a glassware snob and love it when a venue makes an effort above the standard pub offer. We could both have chosen anything from the menu as it all sounded amazing but we plumped for Crab Melts and Garlic Mushrooms to start, Lamb and Confit Duck for our main course and then squeezed in Biscoff Cheesecake and Cafe Gourmand for dessert. 

The food - wow! The presentation was superb and the dishes themselves delicious and on a par with the Michelin starred Bistro Verite in Birkdale. My duck was divine. Cooked sous vide, it was perfectly prepared - moist and slightly pink and then pan fried to give the skin a crisp finish. 

My sweet, the Cafe Gourmand was, as you’d expect an espresso with an assiette of teeny desserts; a fruits of the Forest cheesecake, red velvet cake and a rich carrot cake. Small though there were, I had to donate half to Paul as it defeated me! 

The service was exemplary and we left feeling full and totally chilled. I can see this becoming a very popular destination for a weekend dinner, so advise you make a booking soon!”

Thank you Sammi and best of luck to Ryan and Matt, it looks like you have a hit on your hands! 

 

Andy Hilbert went to shine the spotlight on Xanders Fish Bar on Eastbank Street

On Southport’s Eastbank Street, stands the eye-catching oasis of magnificent food that is Xanders Fish Bar.

It really is a bright, well lit, welcoming sight and on entering you’re not only greeted by the delicious aroma of freshly cooked food and friendly, knowledgeable staff but also the delightful site of images from Southport’s past.

The wall along the left-hand side of the shop consists of a pictorial montage of some really fascinating images of Southport from days gone by.

I think you’d be hard pushed to find any other business within the Southport area celebrating the history of the town in such an incredible way. We spent ages peering at the images, trying to identify the exact spots.

Danny (the owner) came over and personally welcomed us to Xanders and showed us to one of the spotlessly clean tables.

Every table has well-presented and colourful menus depicting each item available to order. They have a huge range of meals available including a dazzling selection of gluten-free choices!

As a party of three we ordered two of the all-day 'eat in' specials which offered a choice of mushy peas, curry sauce or gravy and came with bread and butter and a pot of tea.

I plumped for the steak pudding, chips and gravy, my friend had fish, chips and mushy peas and her daughter opted for a jumbo sausage and chips with gravy. 

 

The eat in specials are really good value for money and fantastically good size portions. Even for my healthy appetite!

Wanting to sample as much as possible we also managed to squeeze in some of halloumi fries and a chop suey roll.

We waited about ten minutes for our meals to arrive, as all the food is freshly cooked to order. We didn’t mind waiting at all, in fact there’s nothing worse than your food arriving a few minutes after ordering. At least you know its cooked fresh and to perfection, just for you. Plus it gave us extra time to have a closer look at the pictures of Southport’s past as they really were fascinating.

The food arrived, it was steaming hot and tasted really fresh. 

The chips were cooked to perfection, the gravy was just the right constancy too.

The fish was a taste sensation, fresh and cooked perfectly.

The steak pudding, was hot and again, perfectly cooked

I’ve tried many halloumi fries (some might say too many) however hands down these were the nicest, freshest halloumi fries I’ve ever tasted. They practically melted in your mouth with every bite and the batter was light, crisp and golden.

The chop suey roll didn't disappoint and was also perfectly cooked.

Other than the freshness of the food on of the stand-out's for me was that the price of all the meals and individual items on the menu were all very reasonable.

Out of the many, many chip shops I've been into, Xanders has to be one of my favourites.

Freshly cooked, delicious food, a welcoming and friendly atmosphere too.

I can’t recommend it enough

Ten out of ten!!

We had a chat with Danny, the owner, to find out more about Xanders:

__________________________________________________________________

Jacqui Lewis went to shine the spotlight on Grill Hunters, based on Southport's Lord Street

Myself and my Husband Michael were lucky enough to go and sample the amazing food at The Grill Hunters on Lord Street Southport. We were met by the lovely owner Emily who was exceptionally knowledge about the food and explained about some of the traditional Romanian fare on the menu.

There is a wide variety of dishes on the breakfast/lunch menu, which we sampled and an even larger evening menu with some very intriguing speciality dishes along side more usual British style offerings.

Emily worked closely with a variety of chefs from different nationalities to ensure something for all tastes.

We chose from the lunch menu, Michael had the omelette with cheese and traditional Romanian sausage, which was accompanied with fries and a beautiful salad, all of which was extremely well cooked and very fresh. I had the grilled chicken burger with onion rings, fries, mayonnaise and sweet chilli sauce.  

All the meat served in the restaurant  is freshly prepared and cooked on the grill in an open kitchen , with fresh herbs decorating the kitchen for a very pretty and practical effect.

The chicken was very juicy and perfectly cooked, the fries have a dusting of a very flavourful seasoning and the accompaniments were delicious ( I only got one onion ring as Michael wolfed the other two down! ).

All the staff were friendly and courteous and they even  sent over a special portion of the traditional Romanian sausages for us to try after an interesting conversation about their traditional dishes.

There was a wide variety of alcoholic and non alcohol drinks too. I chose their freshly made lemonade which arrived in its own jug with honey to sweeten which was very refreshing on such a warm day. I did need the honey as it was very tart , perhaps not for a sweet tooth, but there was the usual lemonade on the menu as well and I did enjoy it.

Over all we had a lovely meal and a great experience.  

If you haven't been yet then make a reservation or just pop in, there is something for everyone, beautifully cooked and presented, they have just received 5 stars for cleanliness and I can certainly see why!

We will be returning  to sample the evening menu - Michael has his eye on the pork belly . A big thank you to Emily and all her staff for a great lunch.

__________________________________________________________________