Bistro 197 in Burnley

Great cuidine. Eating in the Bistro 197 is an oncredible experience. Try it, it's worth it

Met an old friend for lunch so I booked a table. Upon arrival the car park was absolutely full, and it was literally one in and one out, with 99% of the cars belonging to golfers. There were only a handful of people, so service was quick and good and the food was really tasty. I ordered from the lunch menu and the cheese pie was small, but plenty of chips. Just for parking issues I don't think I'd be going back on a regular basis. On the plus side it was better than last time I visited so at least this is a positive review.

Lovely meal with friends The food was good with enough choice for all our party to be happy We were served by friendly people who were on hand for any help with our queries The prices were reasonable

We have had a few good meals over the last couple of months , a walk around the park then bunch at the 197 is a must

Had a large breakfast, not the cheapest but high quality. Eyes bigger than my belly though. So maybe a standard would have been a better choice. 😃

Great food at sensible prices beers and wine also

Lovely meal at a very reasonable price.Enjoyed it

Booked as a family group of eight, but it wasn’t busy. Friendly service and lovely inside. It smelt lovely and our drinks were served straightaway. Everyone liked what they’d ordered, which is a rarity and we had a lovely experience. Would definitely come back here, next time we’re home.

We dined at Bistro 197 on Sunday 14 July celebrating a wedding anniversary and a birthday. There were nine of us altogether and every single person enjoyed and complimented the food. The service was excellent, friendly and efficient and nothing was too much trouble for any member of staff. Well done Bistro 197 and thank you for making our celebrations just perfect.

Great choice of food beautifully presented, reasonably priced, room looks lovely now with new decor, service was great. I had chicken and bacon salad with chunky chips partner had soup and sandwich we both enjoyed the food.

Came at lunchtime, good food and good service. Had the cheese pie that was excellent and my friend had the soup & chicken wrap. Will definitely return.

Very good Municipal Golf Course with a great shop and super Bistro food.

Last weekend discover 197 pub. Love it!

One of the best full English breakfasts I have ever had. Great quality bacon, black pudding and sausage, homemade potato rosti, two fresh perfectly cooked eggs, fresh mushrooms, tomatoes and beans served in a small pot so the juice is not on the rest of your food, two toasts and your choice of hot drink for £12.00. Excellent value, excellent quality and all presented on an oversized plate garnished with a couple of fresh pea shoots. If you are wondering where to go for breakfast give this place a try, you won't be disappointed. There is pay-and-display parking right outside or free on-road parking a couple of minutes walk away. The staff were also very polite and service was great. Well done!

First time here last week. We booked, but it wasn’t needed as we’re the only ones in. The breakfast was very good! We all enjoyed it! The poached eggs were perfect! We will come again

Brilliant breakfast and great service.

It had been nine years since we last visited Bistro 197. In hindsight, we really shouldn't have waited so long. Upon entering, the first impressions may not be striking, but ascending the stairs reveals a cozy and welcoming setting. The presence of a large and functioning TV screen was questionable, though it seemed to garner little attention from anyone. Fortunately, we had reserved a table, which was wise given the bustling atmosphere at lunch time on a Saturday (9th March, the eve of Mother’s Day). The staff were exceedingly friendly, and the service was flawless. The Arancini starters were excellent, and my daughter particularly enjoyed her Salt & Chili Crispy Chicken. The grilled sea bass main course was very nice, though the asparagus were a tad too "al dente" for my taste, and the portion of sea bass felt modest. However, the Hasselback potatoes were a hit, and my daughter’s chicken burger was thoroughly enjoyed. Desserts were pleasant, but they truly benefited from the addition of crème anglaise and vanilla ice cream, which nicely balanced the tartness of the crumble and the rhubarb & berry tartlets, respectively. Overall, this lunch was much enjoyed, offering superb value. We're eagerly looking forward to our next visit.

Superb food. Went for the Mother’s Day special and the food was simply brilliant. As was the service. That’s before you consider how good the value is! Two adults, two children and drinks came to less than £70 and the quality is as good as anywhere in the area. Usually come for breakfasts but will be sure to return for the lunch and dinners!

Lovely food. Great service. Good value

It s pie week!! Had the best cheese pie ever, served with spring veg and lovely creamy mashed potato. £9 bargain

Nice food went midweek but very quiet in Feb

Lovely and clean with nice simple freshly cooked food. Only minor issue is having to pay £2.00 for parking :)

Lovely food, from a good menu, nicely presented.

Twenty four of us went here for a diamond wedding anniversary celebration. We had preordered the food. Staff were welcoming and friendly. Food was excellent and everyone was served at the same time. We'll definitely be back again.

We came here a few times either side of lockdown and it was really good. This latest visit wasn't the same however. The deserts were beautiful, and the salted caramel ice-cream could rival that of hagen dahs! My main was a double burger, and all though not bad, there were quite a few gristly bits and not much flavour. My wife had the gammon steak and it was really quite salty. There was also a fair amount of water on her plate from the peas not being drained for long enough. The staff were very friendly and the place seemed very clean, it was just the food that didn't have the same standard as previous times in my opinion.

Great ambience in a lovely setting. Food outstanding and service very good too. The gentle way busy for a Thursday too Highly recommended

Food is always absolutely amazing, lovely staff, brilliant atmosphere

A business that doesn't want customers! We arrived for breakfast however they finished early despite their advertised times of 11:30am as they were setting up for lunch wouldn't recommend. No offer of a refund for the parking was made either.

Managed to get a table for 2 on a busy Sunday lunchtime. It was our first time at the Bistro. Staff were all lovely. Polite and really friendly. Natalie was our main waitress. The food was gorgeous. Had the beef and Stilton pie. We will definitely visit again and I highly recommend the bistro for the welcoming atmosphere, fantastic service and top quality food.

A business that doesn't want customers! We arrived for breakfast however they finished early despite their advertised times of 11:30am wouldn't recommend. No offer of a refund for the parking was made either.

Came for Christmas lunch with friends, food top class, so tasty and best menu, turkey dinners were plentiful amd very good, desserts were of top class standard had the brandy basket with baileys cheesecake, that was amazing. Everything served hot and by friendly happy staff. Perfection from beginning to end. Extra praise for Chef, great menu

We had a lovely lunch and a lovely catch up in delightful surroundings. Our waitress was quietly attentive 🌟

The food and service are nowhere near the standard they used to be, not sure if the same people own it but it’s lost it family run vibe

I arrived early and had coffee while waiting for the rest of our group of 6. They arrived at our booked time and all seated about 10 minutes but no server came. I went to the till to ask someone to take our order. Several ordered a 'Regular' breakfast which is meant to include tomato, but didn't. Server quickly corrected the mistake when asked.

Excellent all round. Great food at good prices.

Came here at lunchtime and had the homemade soup and a tuna sandwich. The tomato soup was very tasty and tuna sandwich was on lovely fresh brown bread. Only criticism is the carpet is very worn and needs replacing that makes the place look shabby.

What a shame. We've just been for Sunday lunch & whilst the food itself was great, the time waiting for food & the inattentive wait staff has really taken the shine off our experience. There were less than 10 diners when we arrived & we waited nearly an hour for the starters & then nearly 40 minutes for our mains, & I had to go & ask how long the desserts would be after equally as long a wait for those. We had glasses left on the table that had been there since the starters, which were ignored when staff brought us other courses & drinks (that we'd had to go to the bar to ask for), the glasses were just left, accumulating at the corner of the table. No-one came to ask if we wanted any more drinks or whether everything was OK, it was just all very, very slow & we felt like everything was a bit of an effort. There's no way a 3 course set meal, with 4/5 choices per course, should take 2 & a half hours (& that's not because we were sitting & chatting & delaying things ourselves, that's how long the waiting & comparatively quick eating time added up to!). We've been a couple of times previously & it's never been like that before. Needless to say, we won't be going back, which is a real shame.

Very nice place for some good food

Oh my god ! Easily one of the best breakfasts I have ever eaten . The prices were beyond reasonable, just great . Very cosy , beautiful place . The staff were great and very polite . You eat with a view at the golf course . Thank you guys .

After a long walk through Towneley Park grounds we had a fab 2 course specials meal - a mains and dessert - both were delicious and great value! Have been a few times before and always had a lovely meal or just a coffee. Very comfortable setting upstairs in the Golf Club, and very friendly staff

Perfect breakfast 🍳. Lovely place, nice people.

Lovely location at the edge of Townley park. Food was lovely no complaints at all. Service great

Lovely place to sit and have food.

Absolutely amazing food. I was not expecting the meal to be as good as it was. Mac & cheese is always a terrible idea at restaurants as it is usually bland and dry but I took a chance and it really paid off! Best mac & cheese I've ever had, it was creamy, cheesy and filling. The starter (goats cheese and sun dried tomato) and dessert (chocolate fudge brownie sundae with salted caramel ice cream) that I had were also really really good. Great value for money, a nicely decorated place and the staff were lovely.

Pretty much all aspects of the service were poor. Even down to paying the bill. So it was a huge surprise to be served meals which were excellent. If you can sort the service out I would recommend to anybody. As it is I would hesitate to return and would definitely only go at a quiet time.

Had a few hiccups with table setting but all sorted quickly. Food was fantastic.

Amazing place to dine in and matching with there beautiful food that they serve with a smile 😊 100% recommend to anyone that loves there food, I know it won’t disappoint 😊plus the view of the golf is outstanding 😉

Best breakfast in the area and in a fantastic setting near the 18 hole golf club and part of Towneley Park. Easy parking too. Great service and good prices

Went today for lunch today with a friend had a lovely time food was good and as a Burnley leisure member got 10% off ! The staff are friendly especially Rebecca whom was polite friendly and bubbly.

We thought the menu a little restricted although when our food arrived it was excellent. The restaurant is upstairs and we didn't see a lift so ring and check if stairs are a problem for you

Nice little lunch spot, followed by a walk through townely or vice versa. Nice little selection of food great breakfast and lunches. It would be nice if it was open in the evening sometimes too.

I would give the Bistro 100 rating.This is a remarkable place to visit. I should know as I go once a month with friends, and also quite often with family. It is a joy. Small and intimate, whilst having a modern feel. Wonderful staff, always ready to oblige, with a smile , nothing is too much trouble. All the food is freshly cooked to order, so obviously there is a wait, it's not fast food, irs delicious food. Its non profit making and it any profit is put back into Burnley Counci Health and Leisure. So every ones a winner. A great little Bistro 🦲👨‍🍳

This was only my second time here and I'm already disappointed. We'd popped in for breakfast after a lovely walk round the park and were hoping for some good grub. Initially my disappointment started with noticing the kitchen staff, it was an open kitchen and i could see they weren't exactly the efficient type. Plus, food shouldn't be assembled AT the window, it should be plated up in the kitchen and then brought to the window for immediate pickup. I noticed some of the food sitting there for 5 minutes before being collected!! It wasn't busy and there were perhaps 8 people in, half of which were already eating and we still had to wait 20 mins for two small breakfasts so that level of speed is uncalled for. Server was lovely and prompt with the drinks, very friendly so no complaints there. But I ordered a breakfast sandwich and what arrived was a big surprise, or not as the case would be. In this day and age of foodies, independent cafés and restaurants try to up the game and compete, you usually get a decent, substantial meal but my offering was anything but. I ordered a simple Sausage and Egg sandwich, expecting it to be two thick butcher's sausages and a lovely ciabatta or equivalent roll. Something pleasing to the eye and the stomach. What turned up?? Two of the smallest skinniest Sausages I've ever seen on a sandwich and the topper of all embarrassment, flattened inside the cheapest sliced white bread!!! It looked like a child had made it. Come on guys, you can't serve sub-par food like that nowadays, certainly not in a setting like that. Even cheap greasy spoons give you a good portion in a breakfast sandwich, so the fact I'm in a "Bistro", I should be expecting more. I certainly didn't get what I was needing, I left still hungry and probably won't return on that basis. You seriously need to up the standard and light a fire under the kitchen staff. Don't come here if you're in a rush.

After 2 successful visits this was our 3rd. 2 of us went for the tender pork. It was just rather too rare for our liking. We mentioned this to our waiter who said he would speak to the chef. On his return the waiter was terse, abrupt and sarcastic. "That's how it's supposed to be!" He grumbled. " Everyone else is eating it!" he declared. The meals were cold anyway so we did not hesitate to leave the remnants on the plate and, for safety's sake, we did not eat the pork. I paid in full and whilst I was explaining our disappointment at the cash desk the waiter rudely interrupted our conversation. This 3rd visit is our last.

The food is always exceptional.

So we booked for a valentines meal. 1st time out in months. Upon arrival we were greeted n seated. Each member of the team introduced themselves and advised their names, which was great if you needed them. The food we pre ordered and each course arrived quickly when we requested. We didn't want to rush the evening. All The food was amazing, but especially the bacon jam which I complemented them on and before you knew it I was being told how they created it and offered a chat with the chef if I wanted to know more. It's the 1st time we had been to Bistro 197 and we cannot recommend it enough. The whole experience from start to finish was great. A very welcoming atmosphere, fantastic food n drinks and great value for money. We will be back soon. Thank you

Tasty food with fantastic view and lovely staff

We came today for my Sister-In-Laws's Birthday. First time I've been. One thing to note; you need to pay now for the carpark. Staff friendly. There was a little wait on the food but when with family it's okay because you're talking and enjoying each other's company. Some of us got the January/February Deal of a Main and Dessert for £11.95. My wife and I didn't. I ordered the Chicken Burger, only because I wanted the Steak Burger, a few of us did but they only had one left. Mine came with chips and coleslaw and was lovely, really nice, thick chunky chicken. My wife got the New York Panini, we shared, the Panini wasn't as nice as the burger but no complaints. All round, nice place to eat.

Nice environment, wasn't expecting tea, coffee and hot chocolate from a machine.

Great food, excellent service, great value fir money.

Just popped in for coffee, staff were lovely. Very friendly atmosphere. Food looked fab. Will definitely be eating there next time 😁

Been here twice now. Good food and good prices in a nice setting.

Came here for the 1st time for breakfast, 2 full English and 1 smoked salmon and scrambled egg, fresh and hot when arrived, only slight and I mean slight disappointment is that if you do not like mushrooms for example you can not swap for something else but apart from that it was great, coffees could have been hotter too

Delicious food, kind staff and managed to fit in a large group of us :)

This place lets you down so often. I love it here but it's not always open when it should be.

Nice place but the sausage, bacon and black pudding were undercooked and I think when you are paying top dollar for a breakfast you should get a brew with it instead of charging an extra £3 for a coffee

Second time for lunch here and the food and service was excellent, will defo be back again top quality venue, shame its not open at night.

Can’t fault it , service , food and value for money all excellent. Sunday fixed price menu £20 for 3 generous courses of really good food . These days that’s great value .

The bistro is located inside the golf club on the first floor, with all day parking £2 for non members. The food was superb and particularly inexpensive for quality. Staff and decor was pleasant

Had all day breakfast, good quality ingredients but bacon was undercooked, sausages and black pudding overcooked and had to find a waitress to take our order

It was a birthday lunch . Food really nice clean and tidy ,staff are professional and attentive and after our meal Natalie (outstanding) brought a special birthday desert . A lovely touch

Second time we've been here and on both occasions the staff have been really friendly and helpful. Lovely relaxed atmosphere and the food has been spot on.

Excellent meal friendly staff will be going again soon

Excellent food and service from the staff. I would highly recommend this place .

Really enjoyed it, the food was lovely. I had carrot, fenal soup, Risotto, and parkin. The staff were friendly. Would recommend, will definitely be going again X X 🌺

18/12. Lunch today from the festive menu. Lovely staff, especially Molly who was a star. 🌟 Great food and a really Christmassy atmosphere. Please can the goat's cheese bonbon go on the Veggie menu. 🙏 Will be back soon. 👍 Lovely lunch today at Bistro 197. Chilled, relaxing atmosphere and attentive staff. Food great, freshly prepared and all very hot. Can't wait for the 18th and the festive menu. 🎅🌲

Absolutely lovely staff amazing food would reccomend

Great service by staff that care. And great food. Time and time again. Absolutely recommend bistro.

Two out of three meals was dry & over cooked

Always a nice breakfast. Clean, tasty and very filling.

Always amazing food,, friendly staff and good atmosphere.

First time here but won't be my last , fantastic place , the view is something else, very pleasurable, food is great , excellent experience

Delicious food and friendly staff.

Treatment of staff is appalling

Excellent chose of food at reasonable price.

Delicious food!! Great service.

Really nice friendly place, great food.

Really good place to eat . Kind and friendly staff

Had breakfast with family here, nice quiet setup, food was lovely and table service was great

Beautiful food. Friendly staff. Favourite place for breakfast or lunch.

Nice food, nice venue, nice polite staff.

Superb food at great value. Excellent customer service; very friendly staff. Can highly recommend the breakfast menu and the Sunday lunch menu is always a winner!

Been a while since been but lovely food, was a very small building last time but has moved across the road so maybe better

Only popped in to see a friend who works there, really nice setting and definitely plan on eating there in the new year, Hopefully when we return to some kind of normal

Very tasty food and lovely staff (especially Connie).

Lovely food . staff and atmosphere..would defined recommend x

I'd not been before (though my husband had for a separate occasion when it was over the road & not above the golf club) so I didn't initially realise it was the same establishment...just at a different venue. I visited with my Mum for our lunch & we were both really impressed! I had the lamb kofta, my Mum the Ceasar salad along with the garlic ciabatta to share & all three dishes were delicious. It was all very covid secure & we felt totally at ease dining there. The prices were very reasonable & portion sizes perfect. We'll definitely be going back.

Lovely calm atmosphere , excellent food and friendly staff

It was a lovely venue woth great food.

Turned up without booking for a large cooked breakfast. Very nicely done. Loads to eat. Quality sausages and bacon, and friendly helpful staff. Free car parking in the golf club car park. I can see this being a regular treat for me.