On entering Blake’s Restaurant in Liverpool’s Hard Day’s Night Hotel, the first thing to strike me was the clean lines, bright and airy atmosphere and of course, the hundreds of black and white photographs hanging across one side of the room.
 
The tables are set out in a convenient way, with enough room to manoeuvre to cater for large parties.
 
The menu boats a wide selection of starters, with a good choice for every preference – from traditional soup of the day to the more acquired taste of Confit Duck and Foie Gras.
 
I decided on Scallops and baby squid in a Parmesan basket. The Scallops were cooked to perfection, and the Parmesan complimented the Squid deliciously.
 
My dining partner chose the Garden Pea Risotto with a Goat’s Cheese glaze. Although very filling for a starter, he said it tasted beautiful.
 
The main course menu is just as varied as the starters, again catering for every pallet. This time I chose a meat – slow braised pork belly with fondant potato and creamed spinach. The pork came in a very generous portion and was melt in the mouth. I suggest a taste for rich food when ordering this dish.
 
My companion chose Roast Monkfish, Prosciutto, Saffron and Shrimp Risotto (you’ve probably guessed he loves his Risotto). Again a generous portion was served and the Monkfish was fleshy, full of flavour and clearly fresh.
 
I have to admit, that after such a rich main course, I couldn’t push myself to the desert menu, but it is mouth-watering.
 
Chocolate, fruit, sorbet, Ice cream and even a special seasonal desert, it again offers something for all.
 
The menu layout is always something I notice when dining out. Call me sad (as long as it’s not to my face), but I hate it when I’m given a menu and there are selections splashed all over the place.
 
I like things neat and tidy, so I can make my selection calmly without double checking I haven’t missed anything. The Blake’s Restaurant menu is laid out fantastically. Clean pages list the selections in tidy order, making the ordering process that much easier.
 
The customer service was fantastic. Restaurants attached to hotels have, in my experience, often lacked in this area, but at Blake’s it’s five star service.
 
The smartly dressed and welcoming staff are very attentive (but not over-attentive) and make the restaurant a great dining experience.
 
 
Seen verdict – 8/10 – I’d visit Blake’s Eight Days a Week.