CDJ in Blackburn with Darwen

Revisited the restaurant yesterday for Sunday Lunch. This was our second time there after a disappointing first visit, which we had put down to `teething problems`as the restaurant had only recently opened. There was a very dirty water glass on our table as we arrived and we had to ask for this to be changed. Our starter was not as advertised and came with Brioche, rather than the Sourdough - this was a disappointment, particularly as the Brioche was too delicate for the dish and compeltely fell apart when the Parfait was applied. The two roast beef mains were delivered on small, cold plates and the food itself was lukewarm at best. Chef, DJ, actually spent more time in the restaurant than he did in the kitchen for the time we were there, marching about berating members of staff, swearing under his breath and taking on the job of clearing and wiping down tables whilst the team looked on. At no point did he take the trouble to engage with Customers or stop to ask anyone how their food was. To cap things off, we had booked using a 20% discount code which had been emailed to us (presumably to tempt Customers into the restaurant at what is, inevitably, a very quiet time of year). When the bill arrived, the discount had not been applied and we had to ask for this to be done. It`s sad after so much optimism on our part when we read about the restaurant`s launch last year, but I think yesterday`s visit will be our last :-(

Unfortunately didn't get to dine here today, when arriving the hostess informed us to wait in the bar because a baby shower was finishing up that concluded at 4pm despite our table being booked for 3.45pm. There was no room to sit at the bar and we had 2 young children with us that couldn't have sat at the high tables anyway. Hostess couldn't seem less interested about my concerns when I raised them to her, so we had to leave.

Since we like the usual small plates so much gave Sunday lunch a go. Seated in the bar area today and a little cramped with 3x tables. There were lots of obvious niggles this time round. Firstly it was drafty in the bar area so not a comforting feeling. The drinks order wasn't right either. The menu seems ok but I'd say I want another warm starter and a warm pudding. I got the feeling it's all easier to prepare if it's chilled. The butter was so cold it was un spreadable on what was brioche when the menu said sourdough. The beef was a little disappointing, because its rare which is fine any fat isnt rendered so some of my bits were uneatable. A lot of items were not warm in any way. I realised after the price increases of drinks has been charged from the menu just to add to the niggles, is this even legal? Cmon Dan, a bit more attention please.

Have been here several times and as always it was fabulous. We received a lovely warm welcome from the waiters. They had run out of the starters we ordered so the chef sent us a complimentary dish and it was amazing. Egg yolk ravioli which we may not have tried but it was divine!!! Everything was wonderful! Beautifully presented and bursting with flavours. We chose a Spanish red wine to go with our meal and that was brilliant too. Lovely relaxed atmosphere where you never feel rushed and staff are friendly and attentive. I have recommended this restaurant to a number of people and everyone has been really pleased and returned again and again as we shall be doing!!! Spotlessly clean too!

Excellent bar and restaurant. The setting and decor are lovely with a relaxing atmosphere. The service was good and the food was outstanding. Perfect Boxing Day treat.

Went on Sunday evening had the sunday lunch which was excellent , service very good , first time here & the place looks great , will def be back! , Blackburn has reallly needed a place like this for years!!

We went about a week after the restaurant first opened and were really impressed. The menu is packed with fabulous English tapas that are perfect for sharing (although I was loving the black pudding Scotch eggs so much that I was truly reluctant to share with anyone!). Fantastic dining space (I loved the design of the ladies', too!) and on the night we went, Northern Soul was the background music... what's not to love?

Fantastic restaurant! Went with friends for lunch …. Ended up staying all afternoon. Food delicious , wine great and staff very attentive. Lovely restaurant with a great vibe. Highly recommended. Will definitely be back.

CDJ is a breath of fresh air to our little village of Lower Darwen. The design and finish of the building, recently renovated, is exemplary- the ambience is sophisticated, classy and warm. The staff were kind, courteous and attentive. We sat at the Chef’s table, which at first I said I would have preferred to sit at a lower table as the seats were high, but I’m so glad we did. We chatted with Chef Dan as he worked - he is so insanely culinary talented! We were in awe watching the food being made by Dan and his team- the different prep stations and chefs paying every attention to detail, it was like watching Masterchef live! We ordered from the Tapas menu and every dish that came out was mouth-wateringly tasty! The beef short rib just fell off the bone, the Tiger prawns were juicy, the sauce on every dish just exploded flavour (we enjoyed the food far too much to take any photos). Prices are a little higher than other restaurants in the area but with food and service of this quality, it is worth every penny. We had an absolutely fantastic night. This is our new favourite spot and it’s right on our doorstep! We can’t wait for many more evenings like this here.

2nd visit to the lower darwen site with friends also into dining like ourselves. Went down early to the bar area where the dj was playing some nice disco and summer laidback house tunes. The dining was as good as last time. Tried a few different things eg monkfish Wellington that was excellent. Hispi cabbage still the best item for me. Pretty good price for the quality. Will be back shortly Dan.

Absolute gem of a place!!! Beautifully decorated and the food was incredible!!! The staff were all extremely friendly and professional! They were courteous and explained things clearly to us. Every mouthful of food was divine!!! Amazing combinations all bursting with beautiful flavours and very unusual! Lovely relaxed time as we weren’t rushed re a time to vacate our table! Will definitely be back here! Love it

We went to Dan's new place, formerly the Uncle Jack's pub. Upon entering, he's done a smashing job with the indoor and outdoor decor. I opted for the bar menu after seeing what I ended up choosing, leaving the kitchen. All food is prepared and cooked in an open view, which is something I love. I went for the fish and chips. It should really be named whale and chips due to the sheer size of the battered fillet you get served. The fish batter was crisp and lite, and the fish itself was fluffy and flavoursome. It was accompanied by a serving of mint peas slightly pureed and some tarter sauce and a curry mayo as well as some hand cut chips. I highly recommend this place and I will be coming back.

Visited CDJ to celebrate our recent wedding and it was superb! Exceeded expectations. We were seated at the chef’s table and thoroughly enjoyed watching the kitchen team in action. Service was seamless and the restaurant is stunning. Every little detail has been thought out and executed perfectly. Had a mixture of dishes, each one was delicious and you can tell how much thought and creativity has gone into each plate. Would highly recommend to anyone and we’ll definitely be back again. Thanks again chef for a great night.

A real breath of fresh air and great to see someone investing in Darwen. Beautiful decor inside and a great service, all staff were very attentive. There’s a really good vibe, chatty atmosphere with some decent music. Prices are really good for a venue of this quality. Lovely outdoor area (didn’t visit as raining but looks well thought out, lots of flowers, outdoor bar and toilets). Sunday lunch, salmon and lamb were excellent, the beef was a little fatty hence the four star review rather than five. Will look forward to returning and will definitely recommend.

Excellent food in this new venue. A really interesting and wide menu where there seemed something for everyone. Lovely serving staff and modern, bright surroundings. I chose tapas and side dishes of bouillabaisse ravioli, miso hispi cabbage (divine) and broccoli - delicious. Others had the monkfish wellington, honey chicken dish, goats cheese burger, salads. All really nice.

My friend chose this eatery and specifically asked if plant based options were available and was assured that there were sufficient choices. It was evident that the staff had very little knowledge (if any) of plant based food. The tapas choice was significantly limited and there was not enough to satisfy my appetite. Furthermore, there were no plant based desserts. I therefore asked for a tea but there was no dairy alternative. Overall a very disappointing and costly experience.

Visted CDJ , we were blown away by the maitre D , who was enthusiastic and showed a passion for her customers . The food was unbelievable , we kept eating slow like children so we could prolong the meal. The chef spoke to everyone . All the staff were courteous and charming , nothing was too much trouble .We have been spreading the word about the wonderful food .Already booked for next month Thank you

Absolutely fabulous Tapas, great service and ambience. Dan is a great guy, down to earth but clearly a professional chef. A shining star in Darwen. I cannot fault this restaurant.

Went for steak night. We all had the rump and somehow they made it melt like a fillet. Everything was spot on from the drinks to the food to the desserts and brilliant service and entertainment. Top notch

We were expecting the Tapas menu, but our mistake for not reading the days on offer .The waitress was lovely and so apologetic even though it was our fault . We were given a complimentary drink and booked for the correct day .Great customer service . On another note the chopping skills we heard in the kitchen were amazing

Called in at CDJ for a late breakfast on a rainy Saturday a few weeks back and it was very very good, in fact the veggie breakfast was excellent. Had friends staying this week so decided to try the tapas menu. Our visit coincided with the launch of a new menu and the place was busy and so the pace was leisurely and relaxed with a nice atmosphere. The menu includes a recommendation of 5 or 6 dishes between two and this was spot on. I have never eaten Tapas of this quality and would rate 11 of the 12 dishes as outstanding. I can’t wait to return. Brilliant.

Booked a table of 5 for my friends birthday, we chose the bottomless brunch option and OMG it was amazing! 90 minutes of the highest quality tapas food I opted for the chicken thigh and the salt cod croquettes… food heaven! All washed down with unlimited cocktails 🍹 the strawberry daiquiris were absolute perfection 👌🏼 I was too full to eat the dessert! 🙀 Plenty to chose from on the menu I’ll definitely be returning and recommending to all my friends

Give this 10 stars 🌟 Love at first bite 🥰 CDJ 1st Year Survival Menu 🎉 Night of unique food magic and beauty Cheers to the greatest show 🍱 🥂 Every course we were so excited to see it and taste it -absolutely yummy and great atmosphere. Excited to go back. I want all my friends and family to experience this 💓

Planned a surprise meal here for a friend's birthday, the owner couldn't of been more helpful when planning. The staff were fantastic, the food was amazing, not a scrap left on any of the plates and there were 15 of us eating Tapas. Great wines. Honestly can not fault it. Everyone loved it. Such a high quality of food in a rural town, just fabulous

Well all I can say about this place is me and my family love it. Been to many times to remember and tried pretty much everything on the menu and previous menu’s. I have a fussy 5yr old and the chef always manages to make something he will demolish. Staff are welcoming and polite. Chefs are always happy to have a little chat if not flat out. Food is out of this world, never drink in there as have kids so can’t comment on them but we our looking forward to our next visit

We decided to try after a recommendation by a friend. I can’t compliment the staff enough on how welcome they made us feel,the service and advice/knowledge about the various dishes. Excellent value considering the high quality of all the tapas dishes. We will be returning soon.

Came with friends for the bottomless brunch for my birthday, £35 for 90 minutes. Not much selection on the menu although they do have a vegetarian option. You get two tapas (not bottomless) and a waffle and bottomless drinks. The drinks were mediocre, not much to choose from, the tapas were the smallest portions, we left hungry and went for chips. We weren’t given an option for toppings on the waffle even though it said we did. All in all very disappointing. The food tasted amazing but two tiny tapas and a teeny waffle just spoilt the experience.

Been a big fan of CDJ since it opened. The food is fresh, tasty and portion sizes are more than suitable. Whether you're going for a quiet breakfast, brunch, your evening meal or having a party, Dan and the team can cater for all. I even had my birthday party there back in April and the food & service was absolute spot on, as always. You will struggle to find anywhere better in the area!

The food was amazing, bursting with flavour. Good selection for vegetarians and great service. I look forward to visiting again.