Our Story

Award winning.

At The Riverside, history and modernity come together to create a dining experience that feels both timeless and entirely new.

Welcome to The Riverside, a 2 AA Rosette restaurant nestled on the banks of the River Darwen. Our menu celebrates the best of local, seasonal produce, crafted with care, served with warmth, and designed to be shared.

From our À la Carte and Sunday Roasts to laid-back weekend Breakfast, The Riverside brings together modern British dining with a relaxed riverside atmosphere. Whether it's date night, a family gathering, or a celebration with friends, every visit is made to feel special.

The Riverside Legacy

From The Swan to Today.

Originally known as The Swan, our building's story dates back to Lower Darwen village on Fore Street. Although the original structure met its end in the early 1900s, it was resurrected in 1907 as another ‘Swan’, this time north of the river.

In more recent years, the building gained prominence as ‘Uncle Jacks’, a beloved destination for locals, Blackburn Rovers fans, and visiting football aficionados. Today, The Riverside embraces this heritage while stepping confidently into a new era, reimagined for the 21st century.

The Riverside at dusk, with its lit terrace
The Building

Today, The Riverside's interior blends its historic roots with modern design, firmly positioning it in the 21st century. Preserving many of the original exterior elements, like the large windows and the meticulous stone and brickwork, our venue exudes an authentic charm.

Central to our design is the magnificent dining bar, a striking feature that blends luxury and functionality. Enhanced with natural stone, the bar serves as a focal point, creating an inviting atmosphere for memorable dining experiences. Hand-made copper lamp shades cast a warm and enchanting glow, adding to the restaurant's ambiance.

We've taken great care in restoring external brickwork and stone facings, ensuring that every aspect of the building retains its natural charm and historical significance. The interior is complemented by natural materials such as slate, stone and oak. The woodwork, furnishings and hand-made lighting exude an air of understated elegance, making it an exceptional dining venue and entertainment space.

Cumbrian chicken with mushroom, charred hispi cabbage and black garlic jus Beef and marrow burger with Lancashire cheese, gem lettuce and verde mayo
The Riverside Bar

Every drink tells a story.

Our bar is the perfect place for sipping and socialising, offering an impressive selection of fine ales, exceptional wines, premium spirits, champagnes, gins, and expertly crafted cocktails. We bring a fresh twist to classic favourites, all served with style.

Our drinks menu has been carefully curated to complement your dining experience, whether you're enjoying a glass of wine with your meal or a handcrafted cocktail afterwards. If you're looking to make even more of your visit, our dedicated drinks tables are available to book online, providing the perfect setting to relax, unwind, and enhance your evening.

Two glasses of white wine at the Riverside bar
2 AA Rosettes 2025

An exceptional dining venue

The woodwork, furnishings and hand-made lighting exude an air of understated elegance, recognised with 2 AA Rosettes.

Book a table