REVIEW: Burnley spot offers top-quality food at brilliant value
It turns out I've accidentally started a tradition: taking my mum out for lunch on Father's Day around East Lancashire.
This year marked the second in a row she'd come to visit and I'd forgotten the date entirely.
In my defence, this time dad was off doing a half-marathon in Denmark (obviously).
So, while he was racking up the miles, mum and I made our way to Ellis's in Burnley to check out their brand new menu - and we were very glad we did.
Ellis's (Image: NQ) I'd picked Ellis's because of its newly launched menu, which came out at the end of May, and it was a good call.
The setting is bold and playful: patterned walls, neon signs, and tables covered in retro sweets beneath glass tops (plus a stack of Trivial Pursuit cards on every table for a nostalgic kick).
Music played in the background - upbeat without being overpowering - and the whole place felt clean and well-kept, with large tables that would suit families and groups.
Inside the restaurant (Image: NQ) Now for the important part: the food. It was a Sunday and I'd not eaten yet.
Having already seen one of the pizzas be delivered to another table, my eyes locked onto that part of the menu.
I went straight for the pepperoni pizza, a classic, but it was done so well. It had a satisfyingly crisp base, generous toppings, and just the right amount of char.
Alongside it, I had a banana milkshake that was fresh, thick and not too sweet - a proper one, too, not out of a bottle.
Mum tackled the small plates: cod goujons with rocket and tartare, and pork and mozzarella bon bons with a redneck mayo.
Both were excellent - crispy coatings, well-seasoned, and generous portions.
Pepperoni pizza - a classic, and done so well (Image: NQ)
Cod goujons and pork & mozzarella bon-bons (Image: NQ) We shared a side of skin-on fries that were golden and hot, ideal for grazing in between - and, unlike a lot of places, a really generously-sized portion.
The full menu has plenty of choices, including burgers, Ellis's signature, under names such as Big Pimpin' and Real Mothaclucka, alongside vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Service was friendly and efficient. No frills, but no complaints either.
Drinks-wise, there's a good spread - soft drinks, milkshakes, mocktails, cocktails, and the usual suspects, making it a solid option for both casual lunches and livelier evenings.
Banana milkshake, which was delicious (Image: NQ) At £45 for everything we had, it felt like great value in today's economic climate - especially considering portion sizes and overall quality.
It's not the easiest place to stumble across if you're not from the area, being tucked away St James' Row, but it's absolutely worth seeking out.
The menu is playful but delivers where it counts, and the atmosphere strikes a great balance between fun and relaxed.
A strong 4.5 out of 5 - I may have to alter that accidental tradition slightly and come here every year.
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