The venue itself is on Lee Lane in  Horwich, in a former small take-away unit, but despite their small size, they've used the space well, and I'm told have further plans to open the first floor for a more specific dining space, showing that they have every intent to keep the food coming, rather than it being an afterthought at a bar. 

As you walk in (mind your head, the doors are low in this place!), the first thing that strikes you is that with the wood cladding on the walls, lamp shades made from reclaimed metal containers, aspace saving seating, and long bar, it feels very much like somewhere you would find in Manchester's Northern Quarter, but slotted into Horwich.

The tea came promptly, in a funky teapot and Le Creuset mugs, which kept them hot for ages, very nice. Breakfast however on this instance for us was a bit of a miss. We found the food to be a bit greasy and not of the highest quality, and also the toast was burnt, both the toast with the breakfast and the toast I had myself. But this of course is just our opinion, for a lot of people this would be just fine, and a good price. It's certainly on a par with many of the other breakfast offerings in Horwich.

The reviews of the place for drink offerings are nothing short of stellar, and both the food reviews and photos of the general menu are also very complimenting, and look amazing to boot, but I think they've only just started doing breakfasts, and as the place has only been open a very short period, it stands to reason that they are still finding their footing in some regards, so I wouldn't judge the place on this one miss (for us). I think once they've been doing them for a while longer, and they turn the toaster down a bit, they'll be on to a winner.

The service was friendly and efficient, and it was nice to hear the plans for the future of the place, with a bigger focus on dining. And don't worry, dubTAP, even with the breakfast hiccup, I'll definitely be back again to try some of those other dishes on the menu! 

What's also nice is that as it's right in the middle of Horwich, there's plenty of free parking on streets and free parking all around the area making it easy to visit. 

(01204) 397 440

Today, it is one of Nicholson's great British pubs, offering good hearty traditional pub food, and a diverse and ever-changing selection of real ales. As you enter, you can instantly tell that this is a historical building simply by the architecture and wonderful high ceilings. It has also been decorated sympathetically with grand brass chandeliers and photos on the walls of  Manchester, and the building itself during its history. Not too long ago the colours were overly rich, in golds and reds, with busy fabrics and swagging drapes, but now it is decorated in cool modern greys and whites for a more streamlined and contemporary image whilst retaining its historical charm and style with stylish tiled floors and warm wood tones in abundance. On the day of my review, I walked in to the wonderful smell of freshly mulled wine being stirred at the bar. Delicious!

One thing that The Bank is known for in Manchester is its high quality food, and in particular its sausages! Happily, they offer a lunchtime menu, where you can order said sausages or one of a few of their other tasty options along with a drink, for £7 or £8, which for the quality of food and drink offered, makes it one of the best deals in the entire city centre. 

I ordered sausage and mash. Yup.

The toilets, sadly, were pretty grubby pub-style,  and were in need of a bit of TLC, but this amazing  70s looking hand-dryer gave me a giggle.

The way things tend to work are that after being seated and ordering drinks, your party will each tell the server two or three dishes (they're numbered too, so don't worry about brushing off those Spanish pronunciation skills you learned in school!), and the dishes are all brought together in small dishes, allowing you to graze, nibble, and share to your own delight. After finishing a "round", the waiting staff clear your dishes and take more orders. In essence you can try everything on the menu through the evening, as many times as you'd like! I particularly like their "Tapas De Pescado" (seafood), which are done very well. To be honest, all of the dishes are cooked perfectly and presented well, and I enjoyed all of the ones I've tried immensely. I've never NOT enjoyed a visit to La Salsa!

The venue itself is split into two storefronts, which originally had one unit as the main dining room and kitchen, and the other unit as a bar and lounge area, but with La Salsa's increasing popularity, the lounge area had to be fitted out as another dining room! The décor is traditional and rustic, with stripped wooden floors, chunky wooden accents and artwork, and partitions made from old wooden doors (!), and tall candles on both the tables and against the walls, as Spanish and Catalan music plays giving an authentic feel to the Spanish atmosphere, only spoiled slightly by the ceiling, which is office style Styrofoam ceiling tiles. But frankly who's looking up? There's more food coming!

The staff are young, friendly and hard-working. Most of them don't know how to pronounce "dauphenois potatoes", which makes me giggle. Due to how busy the venue can get, you can expect to order with and be served by several different staff members. Sadly, tips given to your wait staff are all put into a communal pool "kitty", and shared out equally. This may be fair I suppose, but it doesn't account for if you get a very good waiter at one table, and a poor one at another.

La Salsa doesn't have private parking, so you will have to use street parking, or one of the local free car parks within walking distance, but luckily both options are free. 

I love La Salsa, and continue to go again and again, as do my friends, parents, in-laws, and anyone else I've introduced to it! If you try it yourself, I guarantee you will too! It's also nice to see that despite lots of local competition, including from restaurant chains nearby at Middlebrook Retail Park, La Salsa continues to thrive and gain in popularity. That shows they're definitely doing something right!

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.

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. 

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. 

Jippie's Deli

Botany Bay

Botany Brow

Chorley

PR6 9AF

07850 014320