Essence Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar in Blackburn with Darwen

Everyone loved the food and the staff were so catering to different dietary needs. Wonderful time, lovely atmosphere and they went above any beyond

Everyone loved the food and the staff were so catering to different dietary needs. Wonderful time, lovely atmosphere and they went above any beyond

Amazing food and service. Always a pleasure to visit again

Amazing food and service. Always a pleasure to visit again

Always a warm welcome, good quality food and decent prices. Excellent service.

Came here with friends, lovely staff, very attentive and polite. I had the pan fried salmon in a tomato cream sauce and it was delicious! Fush was cooked beautifully and not overdone. Reasonably priced too, Would definitely come here again.

Very cozy restaurant, the owner personally welcomes customers, interesting menu, reasonable prices

Loved the place, the food and service were excellent.

Una delle poche strutture aperte per il pranzo di un sabato a Darwen: menù con ampia scelta di piatti di cucina mediterranea. Pizza ed altri piatti all'altezza delle aspettative. Personale di sala italiano gentilissimo. Da consigliare.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS!! Family meal with the in-laws. Awful. I had the cheese parcels to start, they were dripping in fat which dripped on my t shirt. It did actually taste ok even though they were cold inside. I had the creamy chicken for main and it tasted like a pot of double cream had been poured over it. Didn’t eat it. Mum in law had the beef sizzler, no taste to it, my husband had the mixed grill and left most of it, father in law had the sea bass which he said was lovely. I was more than happy to pay the bill even though the food wasn’t good but I wanted to give feedback. You can’t improve if you don’t get feedback, right? Omg, I asked at the bar if I could give some feedback and the waiter got the manager (known him for a long long time as he used to be a waiter at another restaurant where we live) although we’ve not eaten there for quite a few years. He was so aggressive. I was very calm and explained to him that I wanted to give feedback on our food. He started shouting at me saying, ask that table, ask that other table, no complaints. I said, with all due respect, I don’t care what the other tables think, I care about my/our food and we didn’t enjoy it. His daughter was behind the bar and said to him, you need to listen. Not a chance. The waiter was also very nice. We absolutely will not be going back. If you want a nice meal, go to Secreto. Absolutely no comparison

Second time visited this restaurant...food good and place lovely. A couple of issues though..." Mother's Day Menu which was handed to us...more expensive than the back of the same menu on the table ...confusing! Veg was supposed to be served with chicken course...none arrived. Also quite surprised to be given chips with pollo a la crema...had been told potatoes...had expected something a little classier. 🤔 Also...at no time were we asked if the food was OK by any of the waiters during the meal or at the end.

Amazing food and service. Felt welcome from the moment we walked in the door, despite our child being a bit of a pain. The food was cooked beautifully. Ended up going again a couple of days after the first time. Would highly recommend

Nice place well worth the visit would I go again yes very nice service the food was good no complaints off me

Overall excellent food with very generous portions. We booked a table for 2 on Saturday evening & although we had a short wait to be seated that was fine & we were offered a drink whilst we waited. There were a few celebrations (birthdays mostly) booked but generally we were still attended to quickly. We opted for a mixed hot meze - beef kofta (gorgeous), lamb chop, lamb shish, chicken breast (not sure liked the sauce but personal choice) & chicken kebab skewer (lovely), though would have liked the flat bread at side as was soggy from the sauces & cooking oils. Came with ‘Turkish rice’ & dips for the kofta & sheesh kebab. Very large portion overall ??? do a sharing version that keeps the elements but cuts down on individual selection portion size! Food was lovely & staff generally attentive despite being busy though hubby felt they were trying too rush us at end of meal (.still had drink too finish). We left at about 19.30 & it was really beginning to fill up (hope they had brought extra staff in too cope). On a final note we actually drove past Essence x3 before we saw it - oh & as advised by staff member when I booked there was free parking available close by. Would definitely visit again if in area

The friendliest most welcoming staff you are always made to feel welcome and that you are a valued customer. Food is amazing excellent service . Highly recommended

Xmas day meal absolutely fantastic as ever thank you so much Eric and your team...be back real soon...Sandra jim n Jessica xmas day 2023

Lovely place fantastic staff thankyou so much

Had the Tapas menu. Not a terribly imaginative menu, but the food was very good (except for the calamari - it was overcooked and hence rubbery/chewy, but it's been my experience that it's very rare to get calamari that's cooked properly in any UK restaurant). The service was excellent. When we first arrived, the waiter (or possibly owner/manager, not sure) recognised that my mum was cold, and so he made a point of sitting us next to a radiator. Said radiator was not on, so he spent 10 or 15 minutes focusing on getting it on for my mum whilst another waiter focused on taking our order. It was the first time I'd been in since it was the White Lion pub and I expected it to bring back memories, some good some not so good, but they've done such a good job of refurbing the place that I couldn't even remember where the pool table used to be. I was very impressed by that. They also have an A La Carte menu, but I haven't tried that. However, all in all, I would definitely recommend Essence as one of the best restaurants in Darwen. But if you're driving there I'd also recommend you do a bit of research on parking.

Long waiting place packed understanding at the time of the year. But good food

went for sons 30th birthday with 30 guests the staff and food where amazing cant thank them enough

Had my son’s 30th birthday here. They did a tapas banquet for 31 people it was amazing. The food, the service and the atmosphere were second to none. Thank you so much to the owner and staff you made sure our evening was out of this world 🌟 highly recommend, if I could give more stars I would !

Lovely food attentive staff. Will go out of their way to celebrate a special occasion

Enjoyed the Thursday tapas night, good value, good choice, good food, got a little noisy, but Thursday is a popular night.

Fantastic food great service and a calm atmosphere. 👍

First time I'd been here food was really good, friendly staff and great value for money. Special offers 2 course for £17.50 this was on a Sunday not sure about other days. Would recommend the piri piri chicken kebab.

Very noisy, food was ok, starters were overpriced

Lovely food, really enjoyed the Italiano pizza. Great service by rachel and really attentive service by the owner (I think). Nice atmosphere and definitely recommend to anyone. Better than a lot of restaurants in Manchester !!!

Really good, the seafood pasta and the desert was really good. The waitress Rachel provided excellent service. Will definitely be coming back 😁.

Very enjoyable family tapas. Everyone left full and happy 😊

Went for tapas.. highly recommend.

Always great food, peroni on tap. Staff friendly and helpful. Wonderful Birthday evening, thanks to all at Essence 🎂🎉🍻

Great food, cocktails and service 👌🏻

Pleasent enough food, service really really exceptional

Absolutely gorgeous food and the staff are so lovely and friendly x

Never a letdown the foods always very good, service friendly and at giod value

Lovely restaurant, good range of Italian Turkish Greek Spanish type dishes, energetic and friendly staff.

Really good place to eat. Loved the food. The service was friendly and, overall, good. The place itself has a lovely feel to it.

Very attentive people, food delicious and well priced

Lovely little restaurant staff very friendly food was good , but like mentioned before it seemed cold , but it would not stop me visiting again (Traducido por Google) El pequeño y encantador personal del restaurante, muy amable, la comida era buena, pero como se mencionó antes, parecía fría, pero eso no me impediría volver a visitarla.

Celebration family meal, food was fantastic service was fantastic staff were very polite and attentive to all needs will definitely book a table again (Traducido por Google) Comida familiar de celebración, la comida fue fantástica, el servicio fue fantástico, el personal fue muy educado y atento a todas las necesidades, definitivamente reservará una mesa nuevamente.

Lovely food very attentive staff. Love this place. Would recommend highly (Traducido por Google) Comida deliciosa personal muy atento. Amo este lugar. lo recomendaría altamente

Great food 😋 Excellent service 👍lovely atmosphere 5* (Traducido por Google) Buena comida 😋 Excelente servicio 👍 ambiente encantador 5 *

The starters and mains were lovely! Prices seemed reasonable. Service was very erratic and not very professional. (Traducido por Google) Los entrantes y platos principales eran encantadores! Los precios parecían razonables. El servicio era muy errático y no muy profesional.

No meat on the ribs had to get them replaced, Steak was tasteless, it was probably frozen and not fresh. Forgot a pasta dish so everyone had nearly finished by the time it come out. 6 of us were seated. Rice was under cooked! and then when we complained the chef/owner came out from the kitchen and started shouting at my partner saying if you don’t like it don’t come back !! Absolutely disgusting response. Front of house lovely, shame about the response from the owner, Very disappointed. (Traducido por Google) No hubo que reemplazar la carne en las costillas, el bistec no tenía sabor, probablemente estaba congelado y no fresco. Olvidé un plato de pasta, así que todos casi habían terminado cuando salió. 6 de nosotros estábamos sentados. ¡El arroz estaba poco cocido! y luego, cuando nos quejamos, el chef/propietario salió de la cocina y comenzó a gritarle a mi compañero diciéndole que si no te gusta, ¡no vuelvas! Respuesta absolutamente repugnante. El frente de la casa es encantador, lástima la respuesta del propietario, muy decepcionado.

Every time I eat here, it's COLD. They did bring electric heaters, but it only helped those sitting next to them. The food is eatable and varied. Staff are welcoming and cheerful. Would be better if they get the heating sorted. (Traducido por Google) Cada vez que como aquí, hace FRÍO. Trajeron calentadores eléctricos, pero solo ayudaron a los que estaban sentados a su lado. La comida es comestible y variada. El personal es acogedor y alegre. Sería mejor si arreglaran la calefacción.

Lovely place to eat, food was top, service was very good, staff was lovely and very helpful xx

Great venue for our work xmas do although it was really cold in here.

Called in at lunchtime today for their festive menu as my wife likes a Christmas dinner that she doesn't have to cook, 3 course menu for £22.95, good value. My wife had tomato and basil soup, tasty and hot, I had the creamy garlic mushrooms, plenty of mushrooms and a tasty creamy garlic sauce. For mains, my wife had the roast turkey and I had pan fried salmon with vegetables. Both main course were hot when they arrived and both plates were full. There was plenty of turkey, the salmon was cooked in a lovely cream tomato sauce with prawns and the vegetable were cooked just right. Whether to have a dessert was debatable as we were both full but I thought tiramisu might not be too heavy, but a large plateful with ice cream was put in front of me, nevertheless I ate it. A very enjoyable lunch with good friendly service.

Average or all right food but very nice atmosphere and service. Reasonable prices.

Nice restaurant for family or friends or special occasion.

Excellent food, service and company

Not a very nice place. The spaghetti tasted sour, they replaced it with a pizza and that had a chicken bone in it. We will not be going there again. Should of realized it wasn't nice only a few people in.

Beautiful food, excellent service, fantastic staff and atmosphere, couldn't recommend enough

Had a fantastic night with my Fiancée. The owners were fantastic. The service was fantastic. The atmosphere was fantastic. The food was fantastic and our overall experience was believe it or not fantastic 👍

Dined on a Thursday evening on the set 3 course menu was amazing value and food quality was top notch. Staff where very friendly and polite would recommend to anyone. 5 stars all round. One of Darwens finest restaurants

Fantastic food and service . Really felt like a treat. Would definitely go again

Amazing.. A take away that is as good as in the restaurant and delivered by Essence and not a taxi. 10 ++++

Too notch food and not your usual options but lots of choice if you want "plain". Excellent service, reasonably proced and lots of drink options. Staff are lovely, place is clean and will definitely return. A credit to chefs and owners.

Food very nice, service excellent, nice surroundings, just a little pricey though.

Great food steaks done to perfection,excellent choice of starters (chicken livers in marsarla wine my choice).Turkish lamb casserole mains,lovely sweets menu great portions all round.Excellent efficient staff .Good background music & atmosphere.we will all go again .

Ist time I've been and was happily surprised. The food was lovely and the staff friendly and helpful. Will go again.

Food was shocking, being a chef I would rate this as below standard for a high street restaurant! Our booking was on a Saturday night so they had staff in the kitchen and out front, but the quality was very poor! From raw steaks being served 10 mins before the rest of the dish arrived! Sizzlers that didn't sizzle and had frozen chicken pieces on it! To waiting ages to order or be offered drinks! AVOID

Very good service, delicious food, the birthday surprise was fantastic.....I recommend everyone to visit this nice restaurant.Thank you very much 😀

Excellent first visit and we'll be back. 13 of us having a meal out to celebrate a 60th birthday. Great food at good prices and lovely staff.

Great place. Great food. Great service. Great atmosphere.

Amazing atmosphere cocktails and food!

Lovely restaurant, good food, friendly staff but a very long wait for food.

Amazing food, lovely staff and a great atmosphere

Love the tapas it's amazing and so much choice the staff are lovely we always come here for a nice meal

What a excellent meal we had last night This restaurant must be the best in Darwen Thank you to staff for making my husband birthday one to remember

Good tapas,very friendly service and quick.

3rd time l have had a takeaway in the past 6 weeks ..and l live in Scotland..when visiting Darwen and family no hesitation but to either have a meal in or takeaway as quality of food and service goes beyond the rest..Puri Piri Chicken tonight amazing 👏

Nice chilled atmosphere, service was brilliant, the food was amazing! Loved all of it

Great food, great service and great staff

Arrived to very friendly and helpful waiters and waitresses. Ordered the hummus and pitta and it was delightful. Then we had the sizzler chicken and sea bass. We more more than impressed and worried for our sanity as we hadn't been here before. You would be crazy to not enjoy the experience of essence!

Excellent food, excellent service, friendly staff

Been several times before, but this was our 1st meal out to celebrate a birthday since covid. As usual, the menu, food and service were excellent with minimal waiting times between courses. Friendly staff and never felt rushed even when it got busy. Also, the decked seating area out front is a huge improvement and adds to the experience Definately high on our list of restaurants and well worth a visit for 1st timers.

Poor experience tonight, staff wasn’t very friendly at all and didn’t say thankyou when leaving money for meal. The food was not great, we had to send it back as it was over cooked. Would definitely not recommend.

Honestly the best! Been so many times and the food is fresh, tasty, affordable, lovely. The staff are friendly and welcoming and the restaurant is beautiful!

I have got to say.. We were extremely disappointed, the starters.. Mine for the price was terrible.. 4 prawns in a tasteless sauce and two pieces of bread for 8.20!!!.. Then 23.00 for fillet steak? Ok you say, well it arrived with no salad.. Nothing.. Just a lump of meat and a bowl of chips.. I ordered the mixed grill again 23.00... Just the meat.. No salad.. A bit of rice two mushrooms and a tomato? The chicken skewer had something red on it that was tasteless.. The chicken breast was covered in the most bland tomato sauce in the world.. Bitter with too much tomato puree... We both had mains.. And starters.. The only saving grace was the sweets.. Which to be fair you couldn't get wrong.. The table wobbled!! And was kept steady with a beer matt.... To be fair we also went for Christmas lunch and that wasn't much better.. When you go out and pay just short of 90.00 you expect at least flavour!!!

Good food and service on a really busy Wednesday night

Staff were lovely and the food was amazing.

Obviously major investments have been made , staff were reasonably friendly but somewhat detached , disinterested . Very suprised that none of the staff were wearing any form of mask and there was no signs or messages to explain this .

Food excellent....can't resist the chicken livers. Staff very attentive. My go to restaurant even though I have moved out of the area.

Christmas day dinner for 6. Food was excellent as were the staff. We will most definitely return.

Over priced disappointed that I didnt have the tpas option that must just be on a Thursday when they may have a decent chef. Went on Thursday 29th. Food was not worth the money not be going again.

Went on 29dec well disappointing chicken wings were not chicken wings but gristle no chicken on the bone shocking well over priced first and last time never again

Wonderful food and service, highly recommended

Go all the time love this place food is 10/10

Excellent restaurant great food and service .a+

Good meal, good service, nothing at all to complain about.

Fantastic service and great food very much spoilt for choice

Visited here a weeks ago as a family. We all opted for the tapas "all you can eat" except one person who went for the sirloin steak. The tapas was amazing and the 3 of us enjoyed it. The steak was perfect and it is the first time I've been to a restaurant where there was no fat to cut off the steak. The cocktails are also very good and very reasonably priced

Had a great evening here. Food nice.

First time visit. We enjoyed the tapas midweek specials. All food very tasty and plentiful. Definitely go again 👍

After a recommendation from a friend, I took my family there last Sunday for our tea. 3 of us picked tapas and my extremely food fussy son went with a la carte sirloin steak. Tapas wearied several dishes and all were very presentable, rich in flavours and cooked spot on. My son was actually impressed by his steak as it was cooked to perfection like he asked for it. We had few cocktails and they were relatively cheap £6_£7.50 absolute bargain as we usually pay £9-£12. Desert arrived and that was yum 😋. Service was with a smile and very attentive. Food was delicious Bill for 4 people was a bargain 5 ☆☆☆☆☆ from me and family We will definitely be coming back

Great food , great staff , very enjoyable meal at my favourite place to eat . And now doing tapas.

Food was good but menu confusing on what should come with main meals was disappointed especially what was called a mixed grill they really need to check what one really consists of. also very took back when ordering drinks whilst eating was told to go bar out selves because we where paying cash so to leave food going cold on table luckily another waiter obliged us. very cosy compact venue but noisy very popular very busy, value for money unfortunately I found a tad expensive many of the staff very pleasant and are helpful

Good food with decent choice. I opted for the tapas dishes which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Sat here now. Really good food. Just had the all you can eat tapas (Thursday). Think it’s £15.95 per person. Staff have been great. Food has been lovely. Feeling very full and will be coming here again.