Retreat Bromley Cross, nestled in the charming Old Village Hall in Bolton, embodies a delightful blend of fine dining and a warm, festive atmosphere. Patrons frequently rave about its attentive service and carefully crafted dishes that cater to all ages. One review by Alan Cowley highlights a family meal filled with holiday cheer, complete with a vibrant Christmas menu and creative touches, like festive drinks and personalized service. The varied menu, featuring options like melted Camembert and robust mains—including hearty beef and grilled halloumi—consistently impresses diners. Stephanie Evans emphasizes the restaurant's unwavering quality and pleasant ambiance, while Philip Ratcliffe reflects on the spotless setting and friendly ethos that keeps him returning weekly for three years. Even more whimsical is B. D.'s surreal depiction of the dining experience, likening it to a cosmic adventure where the staff are akin to sentient clouds and food manifests with magical flair. This eclectic atmosphere makes it a memorable spot for special celebrations, as noted by Lynn Norton, who appreciated the stunning decor during her visit before Christmas. Overall, Retreat Bromley Cross comes highly recommended for those seeking delicious food, exceptional service, and a festive spirit in a welcoming environment. A visit here promises not just a meal but an experience to cherish.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has great beer selection
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Has great wine list
Has live performances
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Photos
Reviews For Retreat Bromley Cross
Alan Cowley
May 18,2025
Booked for a family meal for late Sunday afternoon and were delighted that the place was decked out for Christmas - including the option of their Christmas menu, with 3 course or 2 course options - all 4 adults opted for the latter - the 3 year old went for chicken nuggets, fries and peas off the children's menu. When he saw our starters arrive to all but him, he happily joined me with the french bread I had to accompany my melted Camembert. The service staff were helpful throughout and the Santa party hats were greatly appreciated - especially the mini version that adorned the straws on my grandson's special drink. I actually take time to describe this as, for me, it shows the quality of this establishment. Having pulled grandson away from his current favourite cartoon, I asked the drinks waiter if he had any dragon's blood drink. Without a blink he said that he had and returned with a beautifully presented blackcurrant drink, with 2 straws crowned by a mini felt Santa hat. All 4 adults went for different menu options for our mains: my wife had the halloumi skewers - an order that required a box to take the remainder home in; the beef, fish and my early Christmas dinner all went down a treat. The layout of the seating was really well thought out and we loved the attention paid to a child's birthday celebration meal on the same balcony we were on. This is an establishment where it is not just the food the owners should be proud of but the way every single member of staff was dedicated to your enjoyment of the occasion. The atmosphere was great. Certainly a place we will return to, and one I can't recommend highly enough.
B. D.
Apr 27,2025
Ah, The Retreat Bromley Cross, not so much a restaurant, more a metaphysical portal disguised as a bistro, curated by cosmic forces and possibly a Lion in a waistcoat. The staff? Sentient clouds in human form. One greeted me by name, though I had not spoken it. Another adjusted the molecular spin of my chair for comfort. A third offered me a napkin folded into the shape of my imagination. The food didn’t arrive, it manifested. Hovering plates, meals whispered into existence by woodland elves wearing colanders as hats and speaking in backwards Latin. I was served a steak that mooed once, then winked at me and vanished. Drinks flowed. Not poured, flowed. A martini slithered into my palm like a liquid serpent of joy. It told me a secret about snooker balls. Would I recommend? Only if you’re ready to confront your past lives and embrace a fondue fork as your spiritual guide. 11/10. Would be abducted by that cheese wheel again.
Stephanie Evans
Apr 15,2025
Never disappoints this restaurant, the food always the same high standard, staff are lovely (perfect sense of timeliness!) and I love eating on the upstairs level Such a nice vibe here.
philip ratcliffe
Apr 15,2025
We visit The Retreat about once a week and have done for the past 3 years. I have never had a single complaint about anything, service, food, prices and friendly staff. A lot of other restaurants could learn from these guys. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated and always very clean. They also don’t mention that you can take your dog in the outside eating areas. Incredible place, amazing people, highly recommended !!!!!
lynn norton
Apr 11,2025
Four of us came the day before Christmas Eve, the food and service was second to none. The atmosphere was very festive and we thought the decor was stunning. Overall a fab experience, well done!
joanne ritson
Apr 2,2025
Absolutely fabulous !!! Warm homely atmosphere .. made better by the beautiful helpful and conscientious staff .. staff who are invested in their job and all around it .. such a rare thing these days and really needs a mention .. The food was amazing perfectly cooked and presented ( we had the skewers !! ) opt for chunky chips they were to die for .. even the salad was fresh and seasoned beautifully .. not enough great things to say except we will def be back xxx
Baz Patel
Mar 31,2025
First time at this particular retreat location and it didn't disappoint. For a start the decor was better than the original retreat on Chorley old. Place was pretty quiet so we managed to snag a nice booth. Food was fantastic! Drinks were aplenty and, as you can see, the portion sizes are huge. They also made us a coke float which was a nice treat. I'd highly recommend the sticky toffee pudding of you like desserts.
Natalie Purkis
Mar 22,2025
We have visited Retreat Bromley Cross many times and have never been disappointed. The team goes above and beyond to ensure a great experience, and the food is consistently wonderful. The atmosphere is always warm and welcoming, making it a place we highly recommend. However, I do wish they would bring the cheeseboard back to the dessert menu, as it was truly exceptional.
Reviews For Retreat Bromley Cross