Adam Ain't Cooking

Jippie's Deli at Botany Bay is the delicious evolution of what was once The Cheese Shop. Jippie's now offers beer, wines, vinegars, sauces, pies, snacks and chutneys as well as a wide variety of cheese, so it only made sense to embrace the title of "deli". Located on the ground floor of Botany Bay, it sits in the middle new food hall area. Janice, the vivacious owner, tells me that the name "Jippie's Deli" is based on her son's nickname, who has been known as Jippie since he was small. When asked why, she laughs and says, "I've no idea, actually!"

And embrace it she has! As well as the delicious deli offerings, she also offers a dine-in menu of classics such as the Ploughman's pie or quiche, meat platters, cheese platters, and tapas selections, all at reasonable prices. You can even enjoy your lunch with a beer or a glass of wine.

Today I opted for the Ploughman's Pie Platter, which comes with your choice of cheese and pie (both of which are available to purchase seperately also), and I accompanied it with a chilled lemon and lime flavoured water. I chose the Blacksticks Blue cheese and a classic Figit Pie, but the meal that appeared was very generous for a Ploughman's! Fresh crispy salad, apples, grated carrot, boiled eggs and juicy tomatoes accompanied my pie and cheese, along with fabulously crunchy croûtons and fresh bread from neighbouring store All You Knead, and accompanied by chutney, silverskin onions, and coleslaw.

Needless to say, it was a delicious lunch, and very filling. I even had to take some home with me. The quality of the ingredients and size of the portions are something Janice takes great pride in. She tells me her plans for future dishes and potential stock additions to the deli, as well as her plans to attend occasional food festivals to offer her products (including cakes), and promote the deli.

The other big feature of the deli is The Cheese Shop, which offers a huge array of various cheesy delights, from wonderful local cheeses, to sticky toffee cheese, white stilton, and even the notorious "Kick Ass" and "True Grit" cheeses. The Cheese Shop itself is worth a visit alone, but I personally wouldn't be able to come here just to browse at the cheese, and not end up ordering something delicious and fresh for lunch!

So when you next find yourself in Chorley, or on the motorway zipping past that big Botany Bay mill, consider pulling in and giving Jippie's Deli a try for a nice lunch, or if you want to take home a pie and some delicious cheese. You'll thank me later.