The story
A Se Anar brings authentic Indian cuisine to a quiet stretch of Highfield Road in Blackpool. Former educator Renuka founded the kitchen after twenty-three years in teaching, channeling her admiration for chefs like Asma Khan into a space built on the principle that hospitality itself should feel Indian. She named the venue after the Hindi word for pomegranate, drawing parallels between the fruit’s symbolism of ambition and her own journey blending heritage from Jodhpur and Kolkata. The dining room operates on the ancient value of Athithi Devo Bhava, treating every visitor as a welcomed guest rather than a transaction.
The Indian kitchen leans heavily on communal eating, starting with items like crispy chicken pakora or lamb seekh kebab marinated onsite with fresh ginger and coriander. Guests frequently order the lahsuni houmous topped with garlic oil and pomegranate seeds, served alongside soft tandoori roti. Hearty mains such as the yakni Kashmiri pulao arrive straight from the stove, while beef bagla bhuna and Afghan chicken anchor the dinner service. Varietal wines and house-made fruity cocktails sit beside these robust curries, rounding out an evening designed for lingering conversation.
A leafy-green frontage signals the neighbourhood spot, which has earned consistent praise for keeping its standards steady over recent seasons. Reviewers in the Good Food Guide highlight the venue as an invaluable local resource, noting how sharing platters encourage a genuine sense of community. The calendar regularly features a popular supper club and occasional live music, giving the dining room a relaxed rhythm. Occasional charity events further cement its role as a gathering point for locals.
Recognition
Ambience
Location
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