Marco's Place

Heard that Marco Pierre White (MPW) had opened a couple of new places up North- so was determined to visit.

Perfect opportunity came when close friends from St Albans- (England's most expensive area- and therefore posh as you like) came to spend the week-end with us up in Lancs.

Opted to go to the nearby MPW in Aughton. Fancied the adventure of a trip along winding country lanes to discover somewhere new.

Couldn't recall whether the Aughton MPW was the brasserie or the posh restaurant. Guess from the "demeanour" of the waiting staff- reacting to our "just come off the beach look"-it must have been the posh one. The waiters were all decked out in starchy uniforms complete with white gloves for serving! No wonder the kids (and a few adults too) felt ever so slightly intimidated. The brochure that we were given with our bill (oh yes we survived) promised "high class food in a rural friendly setting..."

The decor was nice- all stylish and contemporary with wooden floors and large mirrors and cartoons on the walls- but the staff were so busy dotting their "i's" and placing their cutlery perfectly that they didn't make time for plain friendliness. Perhaps they weren't allowed. Our charming two year old was not at all gushed over- and I daresay we've come to expect that in the North West. This is not London's Central Line where everyone stares straight ahead.

All that said, the food was good but not all of it exceptional. Perhaps we'd come with high expectations. Some of the starters did not blow us away. Our guests' terrine was overwhelmed by the pickle it came with. The vegetable soup of the day was really nice though- in a home cooked way. My Goosnargh chicken (main course) was really well cooked- although the cassoulet underneath it didn't quite work in my humble opinion. The kids ate well- they all had fish and chips. The fish was divine- empty plates all round and a request for seconds. The chips- according to my 10 year old were "yuk" (of course like many 10 year olds she considers herself an expert on the subject).

There was a really long wait between courses.

Desserts? I enjoyed the tiramisu. It was lovely and delicate. Some of our party opted for rice pudding. Each to his own. I believe the MPW warm rice pudding tasted nice- but hey the Morrison's extra value rice pudding is also quite nice. In other words, a rice pudding- is a rice pudding- is a rice pudding!

All in all, we have to concede it was good value. £18 or so for three courses. The food was generally well done. Presentation was definitely well done- with military preciseness! It might be that all that's needed here is a shift of emphasis with friendliness and good old northern warmth placed before style. In the words of Eminem- "I think they would be doing just fine- if they were to relax a little".

And in any case at least I can say that I have dined in an MPW. Now not everyone can say that.