Day: 4 April 2010

Bolton

If, like me, you love chocolate, you are used to going into various chocolate shops in the UK. I’ve been to a few, in Manchester, in Wales, and in Scarborough. They were very good in their own way, but I wasn’t quite impressed with chocolate. Either it was too sweet, or too hard, or the chocolate construction was too elaborate to be enjoyable.

But when I saw Chocolate Bar across the corner from The Whittakers of Bolton my feet went there by themselves… and, by George, I wasn’t misled! I only tried their chocolates, although they do cakes, too. For £6 I bought 12 different types packed in a lovely box, from chilli dark chocs through truffles and cognac cherries to marzipan. I was going back to Manchester on the bus… and I couldn’t stop eating them until none was left!

The shop was set out to emulate the French chocolate shops, and chocolates are imported from the Continent, which explains the really fine quality. The shop has only been in business for a few months, but, provided they sort out their website, this promises to be a long-awaited addition to Bolton and to the British chocolate business.

 

Bolton – Eating & Drinking – Cafes & Coffee Shops – Coffee Shops

Out of all Costas in Greater Manchester this has to be my favourite, although I’ve only discovered it recently. The cafe is conveniently located right opposite Bolton’s impressive town hall, and you can drink your espresso either in the street or inside, gazing at the fountain by the town hall’s staircase.

The main reason I am reacting so ecstatically to this Costa is their staff and the swiftness of service. The baristas are attentive, polite and smily, and even when the cafe is busy – as it happens with any cafe between 1 and 2pm – you don’t have to wait for ages for your coffee. The interior design and ambience contribute to the effortless style and relaxed atmosphere.

And did I mention that their latte was the most delicious and smooth latte I’ve had in a long time?

 

Bolton

Either I am unlucky, or Ye Olde Pastie Shop has really been out of business for a very long time… in fact, in all time I’ve been going to Churchgate. The pastie shop was established, according to the plaque, in 1667, and sits right opposite the famous Olde Man and Scythe where the 7th Earl of Derby spent the night before execution.

Even if the shop is no longer in business, the building itself is a fine example of 17th c. urban architecture.

 

Bolton

I don’t go to Bolton very often these days, but every time I visit this town I take time to admire its splendid town hall. The original building was opened in June 1873 by HRH Prince Albert. Known as Albert Hall, it saw the first recital of the organ in October 1874.

Sadly, in 1981 the original Albert Hall was destroyed by fire, but the rest of the building was saved and came back to life as the new Albert Hall and Festival Halls. It now contains several function rooms, as well as the tourist information centre.

The building is dominated by the impressive tower clock, beneath which sits a portico entrance with white frieze. A grand staircase is flanked by fountains and lions. Opposite is a War Memorial.

Bolton Town Hall stands in the middle of the town’s life. It is surrounded by the bank, a plenty of shops, a court, a taxi rank, with a bus interchange just across the road.