DO you like it hot? The dreaded question I prefer to avoid when entering an Indian or Caribbean restaurant.

Truth is, I'm in the middle. I like a little kick to my food, but I don't want to be downing water after every mouthful.

And at Blackburn's Turtle Bay, the flavour was spot on.

Our waitress Amy was helpful throughout, pointing out her favourites from the menu and warning us away from anything 'super spicy'.

Lancashire Telegraph:

My colleague Chris had recommended the ribs. The same man who once told me to drop Sergio Aguero from my fantasy football team. The little Argentine went on to score twice that weekend.

So I was a little sceptical...

I shouldn't have been! They were delicious. The meat succulent - the classic jerk glaze to die for.

My partner Sam opted for the duck roll - slow roasted shredded duck with soy sauce, chilli and sugarcane.

She doesn't do hot. And this was fiery. I stared at it enough for her to offer me a bite. It was good - but nothing on my ribs.

We washed our starters down with pretty average 'Beachcombers Zombies'.

It might be harsh to compare them to the zombies of the Northern Quarter in Manchester - but they didn't come close.

The vanilla and passion fruit mojito and the Turtle Bay version of a pornstar martini which followed were massive improvements.

Lancashire Telegraph:

It was now time for double-dipped steak from the Jerk Pit BBQ.

I opted for the original glaze once again with spiced fries. Sam went for coconut jerk glaze with sweet potato fries.

My steak was cooked to perfection. Medium rare. Bit of a kick. But I missed the Caribbean slaw which had been forgotten.

Sam's was a little overcooked but her sweet potato fries were tasty. Better than the spiced version. But again, no slaw.

Lancashire Telegraph:

We didn't realise until we had finished - but we knew something was missing. (see above)

More cocktails followed. A Tobago Tea and a Guinness-infused milkshake for myself. I didn't know what to expect - and it wasn't to my taste.

The espresso martinis with dessert were delicious though. Please try them.

Equally as good was my dark chocolate brownie. Rich, moist and the perfect way to round off my meal.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Sam's Caymanas Rum Cake disappeared quickly. That's a sure sign it was good. I managed to steal one mouthful.

Overall I would definitely recommend a visit to Blackburn's Turtle Bay.

There were fantastic elements to both the food and drink - coupled with a great atmopshere and young, enthusiastic staff.

There's always room to improve - but go and see for yourself!

Check out the menu here: https://www.turtlebay.co.uk/food-drink/

Starters: 3.5

Mains: 3

Dessert: 3.5

Drinks: 3

Staff: 5

Atmosphere: 4

TOTAL: 22/30