Shard Riverside Hotel, Bar & Restaurant

I've been a regular at the Shard for 14 years. The restaurant keeps changing its menus, but the cooking is consistently excellent, and the food is tasty and well prepared. Breakfast is lovely too, with choices from fruit to a full English, all cooked well. The rooms are comfortable and have what a reasonable traveller needs. Staff are very friendly, and I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and their banter when I'm away from home, though some people might find it a bit too relaxed. The hotel has recently changed hands, and the new management has begun refurbishing the rooms, including new beds, USB sockets, and bathroom updates. Those improvements were needed.

We only stayed the one night. The room was compact, tidy, and modern, with a wonderfully comfy bed and a nice shower. The biscuits weren't good enough for the price, though, nasty Biscoffs, and it would've been nice to have bottled water as there were two glasses on the table. Breakfast was a well-cooked English fry-up, so no complaints there. We had lunch beforehand; it was tasty, but I thought it was a little overpriced.

The chefs came out to chat with our table, which made the meal feel personal and memorable. Everyone in our group enjoyed the food. I had the belly pork, hot, fresh, and full of flavour, and couldn't fault it. Even though the restaurant was busy, we were seated quickly, and the service was welcoming and attentive. Seven friends and I found The Shard Riverside while in Blackpool on business. It was a cold Sunday afternoon into early evening, yet the setting was beautiful. I can imagine how lovely it must be in summer, sitting outside by the river. What a fantastic find. Thanks to the whole team, I'll certainly return.

The menu is fabulous, with a choice of roasts on Sunday, and breakfast was excellent, with a good selection and nicely cooked food. Staff were friendly and well trained. The rooms are clean and spacious, though a USB outlet was the one thing missing. I'd highly recommend staying here.