The Whitehall - Blackburn with Darwen

Stayed overnight on a recent visit to Darwen, staff were really pleasant and helpful, rooms were spacious, clean and very in keeping with the period of the house, breakfast was very reasonable and filling, have added it to our list of 'to do again ' places

Just attended a wedding here and have to say, it was the worst experience ever, I felt embarrassed for the happy couple. The place looks in need of renovating, rotten wooden skirting boards attempted to be hidden by the ‘net’ curtains. Couldn’t fault the staff they were lovely. However, people were suffering hypothermia in the function room as the ‘smokers’ were permitted to use the fire door to go outside to smoke, leaving the door permanently open on a perishingly cold night...not ideal. They have 2 bars in 2 different rooms, however if you wanted a draught beer you could only get it in the lounge bar and if you wanted a soft drink you then had to walk to the function room to purchase it, a brilliant concept it you are wearing a Fitbit. Finally, they are in need of bringing themselves up to date with technology, how many places do you go to now a days where you can pay for drinks on your card? Not here, cash only, which snookered several guests as they had spent quite a lot on taxi fares to get to the place in the expectancy that they would be able to pay for drinks on their card. I wouldn’t say avoid this place, I would say to the hotel these issues need to be addressed and then perhaps it would get a better rating.

I challenge you to find a local restaurant serving food as incredible as this. Nine meals, 5 different dishes, all absolutely incredible. The lamb was the best I have ever eaten. First class.

Served in a small annex room. Prosecco on arrival included. No-one was behind the bar in the annex, however the staff were attentive this wasn’t a problem- which was important as they also had a large wedding taking place at the same time.

Well what can I say, this place would be getting a minus star if that was an option, the one and only good thing about this place which I am convinced is twinned with faulty towers, was the excellent chef.