Observatory Hotel in Blackburn with Darwen - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Came with friends for a catch up. Parked at the back and came in through the beer garden, 100's of fag ends all about , which put me off right away, I know you can't help people being dirty but at least clean them up. The decor is nice and well done , but it had an over all grimy feel to it. Food was ok. I don't like warm tuna so I ordered the wrap and not the toastie like my friend did , but the tuna crunch wrap came hot , which just didn't taste right. The staff, especially the lad behind the bar were genuine and friendly , that was the best part.

All of us were very impressed, the starters 10/10, the main courses were all excellent we we'reall stuffed, by the quality and quantity, the staff are all friendly and very helpful. Will definitely be back. Keep up the good work

First visit here and pleasantly surprised to how good the food was. Good sized portions and very nicely presented will certainly be visiting again.

Went for the first time last week Lovely staff who went above and beyond to help us as one of our party had a serious allergy. The food was amazing and not over the top on price. Would definitely recommend it.

Not been in here for a long time, it has certainly changed a lot and I think it looks good now. Didn't try the food but it looked ok. Bar staff were friendly. You can change a pub as much as you want but you can't change the regulars.

Brilliant pub .clean toilets .food really good .if anything u get too much

Since the covid pandemic many pubs, bars and restaurants have sadly closed never to return but happily a few have survived, one being The Observatory. After my wife and I had lunch there I can see why they have done so well during this tough time for hospitality. The décor is fresh and modern and the staff welcoming and friendly. This pub provides great pub food at a very reasonable price. Because they purchase the best quality ingredients and have a passionate chef your dining experience will be a one of surprising excellence in the middle market pub food. I will be adding this pub to my list and will return soon.

I went for a meal with my Husband, Daughter and son in law to be. We arrived at about 2pm it was fairly busy but the staff were very attentive and the food was Amazing and very well priced. Definitely a place you want to visit.

Absolutely amazing all around, the food was so tasty and the staff were very attentive i will definitely be coming again 😁

I ordered the plate meat pie and my wife ordered the all day breakfast. Pie was good, plenty of chips, peas and gravy. The all day breakfast was massive with good quality sausages and bacon. Plenty on the plate.

I have driven/ walked past the Observatory on numerous occasions, but last week I went in. Believe you me, I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED. I enjoyed a nice COLD pint +a Beef ( CHUNKY pieces )Bap, coupled with proper chips and a salad.

The food wasn't good at all, the chips looked like left overs from lunch and cooked twice. The peas where hard, the pastry on the meat pie was soggy. Maybe I was unlucky, but i wouldn't recommend. Won't be going again.

The food was good and the atmosphere was nice for matchday and on a lovely Summer’s day. The food did take long but that was because of how busy the establishment was today. A lot has changed since I last went at the start of 2010

Fabulous venue, unexpected great food and atmosphere, really friendly, could not have been treated any better by the 2 young guys behind the bar. Well done and thanks for a really great night x

Good pub, good food and good sports viewing.

We arrived hungry and thirsty having travelled nearly 5 hours from Wales. The kitchen had closed some time before we arrived but the amazing kitchen staff agreed to cook some meals for us. If I could give them 10 stars I would for that alone. Food - very good portions and all delicious. I was cheeky and asked for an extra bread roll and fair enough, kitchen staff had gone home so they said i wouldn’t be able to have one. Completely understandable. A few minutes later though a warm bread roll was brought to me. Only a little thing but speaks volumes for their hospitality! Service - the young lads behind the bar are an absolute credit to this place. So friendly and welcoming. We left this place not only with full bellies but also with a great impression about northern hospitality - well done and thanks again lads!

Had a really lovely meal. Good pub grub. Fish new potatoes and mushy peas.

Stuart was a star tonight helping me and my family out with another member of the public xx I would award him a a medal if I one on hand xx He is a superstar xx 10/10

Our 2nd visit but it was a very disappointing meal - Sunday roast. The chicken was stringy and looked as if it had been dropped into the fryer and forgotten. The veg weren't hot and the service was lacklustre. The only plus was the football match on the TV showing my team!

We always find the staff very friendly and the service is great. A big shoutout to Cal, his hospitality is second to none, he always greets us with a smile and a laugh that makes our day!

We had a very nice meal and the plate was well full. I had plate meat pie, it was delicious. My hubby had cheese and onion pie and he was well stuffed. My son had mixed grill which looked great. We were so full we did not have room for pudding. I would recommend to anyone who wants a good meal. There is plenty to choose from on the menu.

Food is very good quality and fresh. It takes a bit longer to get your food, but quality takes a bit longer. Food is excellent and highly recommend 👍

Been a few times now as well as tonight we had 2 stake and ale thwaites pie which was really nice plenty of chips and extra which I took home lol . A hunters chicken and I had a roast beef I completely demolished 👍🏻 again every time I ordered family have been always had a lovely meal no issues food is always really nice and presented well thanks again guys see u soon it says below add pictures I can't because it was all eaten 😀👍🏻

We arrived at the Observatory and walked in. Immediately the smell of bleach/line cleaner was overwhelming. We were spoken to by a lady at the bar, and we asked where we were to sit as we had booked. We sat in a booth and the first thing I noticed was that the sign stating the table was reserved was very dirty. It may be worth getting some disposable reservation cards instead of the clearly reusable ones currently in place. The food came out and was okay. Chicken wings were quite underwhelming for salt and pepper wings, and were served on a side plate. There was no room to do anything. Kids food was decent he enjoyed this. The main course was very disappointing. The skillet of peri peri chicken came out with fries, but no plate was given to actually eat the food from? Giving a side plate to move stuff onto would be an improvement. The service was nearly non-existent. No one checked on any of the food, and trying to get anyone's attention from the table was near to impossible. No attempt to upsell any coffees/desserts when clearing the mains even though we did end up getting some. Had we been asked if we wanted another drink, mid meal we would more than likely have had another. The dessert of apple pie was stone cold in the middle and tasted very artificial. Not the best.. Overall the experience lacked any personality, the food was average at best and the men's toilets were pretty grim with a lot of mould everywhere. These probably need looking at. Would I return... Probably not.

Great place to go for food beer and friendly service

Large party visited for a family birthday meal. Everyone complained that their food was terrible. Meat overcooked and dry, potatoes and Yorkshire pudding burnt, onion rings dripping with grease. Asked for extra gravy as meal was so dry and was served Bisto gravy. Pre-ordered our food beforehand but still had a missing starter and too many desserts. There were football fans shouting and swearing in the pub and we had several children with us including babies and toddlers but this was not addressed by staff. Staff member rude and unfriendly. Shame as the decor and outdoor area is lovely. First and last visit for us!

Parked up on a Sunday morning 24 January in a van I had borrowed , pub wasn’t open so went for a walk before it opened and returned for drinks as we do at least 3 times a month usually on a Monday and the owner of the van as just got a fine of £100 are £60 if paid straight away as it was causing an obstruction which is very funny as nothing on the car park at all sorry but won’t ever be back

Just book a table, great service. Tab ( money) service to table number. Food has never disappointed. Good atmosphere and usually quite busy, that's always a good sign. Beer is good. Friendly staff

It's really good food and gold staff they are so nice

I had the half chicken and my partner had the roast ham Veg was cold and teastlest and overall very poor been before and had a meal which was very nice shame really very disappointed ☹️

Visited 22nd January 2024, after booking for 9 people. Husbands 65th Birthday. It was very quiet in the restaurant, but it was a Monday evening, when many other establishments don't even serve food. Extensive menu at reasonable prices. All of the food that was ordered was very nice and thoroughly enjoyed. Not a negative, but a suggestion for better service, being able to order from your table. Thankfully, all the food came together, having 3 separate orders and our party being the only ones dining.

Family Christmas dinner,meet up. The manager was very helpful .

Parents and myself had a fantastic Christmas day dinner,the staff were lovely, thanks for a lovely day

Great food at low prices. I’m very fussy with how I like my steak cooked and it has been cooked perfectly every time. I also don’t like potatoes or chips and it was no problem to swop them for salad. My family also love eating here. Very friendly helpful staff. Clean and well maintained pub/restaurant. Children are welcome but need to be out by 8pm which was no problem.

Lovely Beautiful Public House Awesome Menu Top Drawer

Compliments to the chef! Burgers are amazing! About an inch thick, juicy and full of flavour. One portion can easily feed 2 people. The atmosphere is pleasant and staff cant do enough for you. Will happily go there again.

We couldn't book as mum at hospital for a scan. They where so kind and said if it got busy they would hold a table so kind x was lovely food nice prices good portions great staff lovely place beautiful

1st time I've had food here and was a group of 14 of us and can't fault any of it food was nice and hot presentable plenty to take home and the pub was busy and atmosphere was nice and all the staff was friendly and worked togheter as a great team will definitely be goin back again sometime thanks guys 👍🏻👌🏻🍻

First time been myself but went as a family group of 15 of us the food was really good and hot the staff was really good and worked togheter foods came out pretty much same time can't fault anything would go again thanks guys 👍🏻👌🏻

Great food and excellent service

Went here for the frist time today I ordered the scampi and chips and a coke food was amazing thank you Staff happy and very welcoming great experience will come again 😊

Popped in while visiting our daughter for Sunday roast. All I can say is we left absolutely stuffed. The mrs had the roast beef, I had the Thai red curry and step son had two servings of Brie bites and a portion of black pudding. Highly recommend this place for service, food and sports

Had a few drinks and it was belting watching football tonight and we are going back

Great home cooked food served in homely, welcoming surroundings. Fantastic personal service. Food and coffees amazing at great prices.

First time dining there,wasn't disappointed

Delicious food, huge plate. Very clean and tidy with fab service.

One of thee best burgers I've had in a long time , compliments to the chef, awesome job 🙌🏼

Could do with a coat hook in the disabled toilet. But very nice place.

Happy Father’s Day. The food was cold and the veg was hard. The burger order was dry and we had to ask for gravy and told sorry we have no water?The dessert order was also mixed up. The service took ages and it definately was not service with a smile. I guess the chef was on holiday!!!

Went tonight for Father’s Day as a family of 6 and we were very disappointed. The starters - salt and pepper chicken was not nice. The halloumi fries were gooey. The main, the chicken burger was dry, the broccoli was hard and inedible, the fries with the scampi looked like scrap ends but the scampi was nice. The Eton mess was good, the sticky toffee pudding was ordered with custard and came with ice cream. The 3 pints of peroni ordered was all flat. Overall we were really disappointed and when we told a member of staff it was just shrugged off and nothing was said about it. We will certainly not be going again

Eat here regularly food is always good ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star food hygiene aswell would recommend 👌

Boss little boozer.... great atmosphere and cool beer garden!!

Very nice beers and food fresh and hot 👌

Lovely bar staff very friendly and accommodating food hit and miss for me no love in presenting the plate just basically thrown on i had scampi basically just got a plate of chips with scampi thrown on top no salad garnish no tartar sauce had to ask for it oreo cheesecake for pudding was awful staff could be a littl friendlier service with a smile its basically not

This is a proper establishment. We went in with the baby and dog. We were welcomed by the staff and the other pleasant diners. I had one of the best mixed grills I've ever had and the missus had what she describes as a nice soft, juicy chicken burger. On our exit we noticed people playing poker on a proper poker table, there were a pool table and also a separate pub area with a few lads watching the football. The beer garden was large and busy with a dog station. Friendly atmosphere throughout, definitely worth a look on in you like any ove the above. Great food, great place!

Food and service perfection Steaks amazing thank you

Great food, friendly staff. Nice venu

Beautiful Sunday Roast Dinner. Tender meat. Fresh veg. Home made Yorkshire Pudding. Third visit this year. Definitely not our last. Friendly staff. Quick service. No over inflated prices.

Food was average. Place was very clean and the staff where very friendly.

We sat inside and had some lovely food. The plate meat pie was very tasty and the garlic bread was very clearly home made. Highly recommend a visit if you’re local!

Their Thwaites Gold Ale was stunning, it is such a shame I live in Bedford!

First time I've been and was really happy. It was busy but plenty seating, lovely looking and really clean. Decided to eat whilst there and really enjoyed, plus reasonably priced drinks and food, and pleasant staff. Will go again.

Our over 50s group had a meal together here on Monday lunchtime. Communication about the large and complicated order was personal and very helpful. The pub was cosy and welcoming and the food was hot, tasty and reasonably priced. Excellent friendly and personal service. Everyone enjoyed.

Very good food, fantastic atmosphere, great service and staff. Definite place to visit

Lovely atmosphere,nice food,good prices x

Just had a fabulous meal. I had the chicken sizzler and it was certainly sizzling. Then I had the chocolate brownie sundae with chocolate ice cream. Will deffo be back.

Party of 12, all our meals were great.

A really good experience from start to finish It’s decorated nice and welcoming, staff are lovely and the food was delicious

Had the hot beef baguette with onions, gravy, chips and salad. Plenty of chunky beef but would have preferred beef sliced and gravy served separately as it made the baguette soggy . Friendly greeting and service. Excellent new refurbishment.

We had a meal here , which was lovely,but this pub is more for the young ones, didn't feel safe here

Good community local, nice outdoor area, good selection of beers, really lovely staff.

Chips could do with frying a bit more.

Not sure who makes the cheese pie but wow. Was delicious. First time there and will not be my last. Best pie iv had

Good chef Colin and friendly staff

Visited on Sunday 4 family members, we had mixed grill, fish and chips, meat pie and chips, and chicken wings. All the food was really good. The staff were friendly, and proffessional. The pub has recently been renovated. It is nicely designed and comfortable. There is now a very large out door seating area with TV and bar access. I would reccomened a visit here, we will definately be returning They also serve Sunday dinners which looked very good and is on my list to try.

this a very good pub very freindly staff the food is execalant i give it full marls 10/10

We went to the Obs yesterday for a meal. The food was excellent and the staff were very efficient , helpful and friendly. We will definately be back. Thank you, J. L.

The new look Obs is very very nice, prices are a little more expensive than other local pubs but not by to much,the food was really good and we will be back again to try more from the menu.Menu prices are also very good.

Never been here before but was recommended to us by a friend. There was plenty of parking at lunchtime and wheelchair access. Excellent bar with a wide range of speciality beers. Pleasant staff with efficient service. The Spicy Soup was VERY spicy - which would not please everyone but it was made with fresh tomatoes which were otherwise delicious. My main course was stodgy but filling and the hand cut chips were piping hot and tasty. Unfortunately.my wife's plate was cold and the Cheese and Onion Pie was predominantly mashed potato and lacking in other ingredients. The menu was varied and offered something for most tastes and the bench seating provided both comfort and privacy.

Top notch pub run by 2 really nice people. Really enjoyed my food and the hospitality. Would highly recommend

good atmosphere good plesent staff great food and and drinks

The refurb looks fab, good prices for beer as well and a great place to enjoy a pint in the sunshine

Cracking local establishment with good selection of taps has been nicely refurbed. Pool table and Darts board for throwing a few arrows.

Food was OK but service was appalling won't go back

Food was absolutely lovely, service was great. Lively atmosphere great entertainment, refurbishment first class. Definitely recommended

A quick pint in the nearest pub to the hospital whist waiting for my father. A nice pub with indoor and outdoor seating. Perfect for a late summer evening.

Simply the best! Amazing home made food(best ive ever had)...staff...service...excellent prices..Can't fault at all

Good atmosphere good food good service

A warm welcome good food great beer and reasonable prices I will definitely be returning for more top notch.

We went up after the refurb and yes what a difference the deco and the place looks amazing well done obs and staff. We ordered food which the Chef Colin always delivers and the quality is amazing. Would recommend to anyone.

Very nice after its recent refurb Very friendly staff Reasonable prices

Good home cooked and lovely food. Hot and fresh. Brilliant service. Beer garden and pub look great

Held our wedding reception at this venue. Nothing was too much trouble and all ran smoothly, from the timing of the food courses being served, even allowing breaks when needed as the portion sizes were generous. Food was all lovely and commented on by all. Big thank you to Tom, Mark and all the staff.

Just reopened real nice pint great food and nice staff😁

Booked at The Observatory for a wedding reception today. Mark , Tom and the rest of the team; nothing was too much for any of them. The food was lovely, great portion sizes and each course perfectly timed. Huge thankyou to all involved :)

First time in years, since I set foot in the Observatory and what a delight light and airy was the interior and modern, the supply of ales and other alcoholic beverages is more than adequate to satisfy the most fussy of drinkers. The food was very tasty indeed, from the soup through to the sweet at the end, all very good indeed, my only gripe(and it is a minor one) was that there was no traditional puddings on offer, nothing for a hardened sweet toothed 63 yrs old. A rating of 4**** is my score. It could have been a 5***** if a proper sweet was put on the menu.

The work that has been done is excellent, it all looks really well, they serve good food, beer and other drinks

7 of us went for a few drinks and a bite to eat. It didn’t disappoint from walking through the door. The staff were so friendly, the service was perfect. The food was out of this world. Will definitely be back at the observatory

Great food and a great atmosphere, the catering staff were excellent!

I lived it in the Observatory, I walked in with my dog (9 month old springer spaniel) we were welcomed with a bowl of water and a dog treat too, had a couple of pints of San Miguel, really good clean lines and crisp ice cold beer, I'll definitely be visiting again next time I'm over that way.