While Blackpool may have its attractions and eateries, surprisingly the north’s premier seaside resort has never had a restaurant themed around a famous personality chef – until now.
Opened in late spring 2024, Marco’s New York Italian by Marco Pierre White has brought a slice of Italian American cuisine to Blackpool. The restaurant also serves the guests at the Holiday Inn which is part of the same complex. Adjacent to Blackpool North train station, the restaurant and hotel have their own tram terminal.
An illuminating prospect
If you have ever dined in one of Marco Pierre White’s restaurants, the decor might be familiar: the huge plants, photos of Marco adorning the walls, and the big black and white armchair inside the entrance which always looks inviting and is extremely comfortable, although I got the impression that it’s really there for Instagram opportunities.
The menu concentrates on steaks, grilled burgers and pizzas. The prices might seem a little on the steep side for Blackpool – the restaurant has a captive market with the hotel guests, although on our visit there many of our fellow diners were not staying there.
I decided upon one of the small plates as a starter: buffalo chicken tenders served with blue cheese sauce. They were tender inside with a sharp coating. The only disappointment was the lacklustre cheese dip.
Our sharing appetiser antipasti of cured meats fared a lot better, with the sweet, refined taste of the Parma ham complementing the rich and creamy buffalo cheese. It was far better value for money than the chicken tenders.
Getting ready for the big one
While our first course might have been a roller coaster in terms of quality and value, my main of tenderloin fillet served with Koffman fries was far better. The delicate flavour had a touch of nuttiness and sweetness. Hot chips that were moreish and as good as any I have tasted in Blackpool – and I have eaten a lot!
My partner decided upon the New York Strip sirloin, requesting that it be cooked medium to well. When it arrived it appeared to have been cooked well, resulting in a rather dry offering. The chips were a mixture of hot and cold, and didn’t seem as freshly cooked as mine were.
The portions were on the small side. If you have a big appetite this is a point you need to be aware of.
Puddings, as they are known here, include an authentic classic 1930’s New York Knickerbocker Glory, oozing with fresh raspberries, strawberry and vanilla ice cream and fresh raspberry sauce.
Blackpool can be very cheesy in parts so it seemed only fair to sample the Union Jack cheese plate which, as the name suggests, is an array of British cheeses including a sharp Rutland Red, an intense blue Stilton and a mild Cheddar. This was, again, far better value than our mains.
The cocktail menu offers plenty of choice with mocktails, and there’s a good wine list. We found a zesty and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc from Italy among other reds and whites.
Service was efficient without being overpowering. We would definitely visit again, though I would order something different off the menu, apart from the dessert and cheeseboard offering.
The 1961 Prix Fixe two course menu, served Monday to Thursday 12-4pm and priced as the name suggests, at £19.61, offers excellent value.
A room with a view
The new Holiday Inn sits above the restaurant. If you are lucky enough to get a room on the western side of the hotel you will be rewarded with a view of the tower and the sea. There is good soundproofing so you will not hear the rumble of the trams.
Rooms are modern, cosy and warm. Each comes with a king size bed, a good sized wardrobe with plenty of storage space – something that many new hotels seem to forget about – plus tea and coffee making facilities. We were greeted by an empty fridge when the addition of a least a bottle of water would have been a nice gesture, rather than having to buy one from the bar. Though it might only be a small point, even a small carafe of water would create a good impression – especially after a long journey.
The plethora of USB points and fast free internet, as well as a good chair with a desk, were well thought out for both the business and leisure traveller.
The bathroom had a very powerful shower with good water pressure, something you cannot always take for granted.
A copious buffet breakfast of hot food and a continental offering is served in Marco’s.
Buffalo chicken tenders (£10.95), antipasti of cured meats (£11.50), tenderloin fillet 6oz (£31.95), New York Strip sirloin 8oz (£28.95), Classic 1930’s New York Knickerbocker Glory (£7.95); Union Jack cheese plate (£8.95).
