It Sear turns up the heat in Bolton’s best restaurant hunt

Once touted as “Westhoughton’s best kept secret,” It Sear is now firmly in the spotlight as The Bolton News competition heats up.

The chic Market Street venue has cultivated a devoted following, celebrated for its “legendary cocktails” and “fabulous food.”

Opened in January 2024 by Jack Ince and David Murphy, It Sear began life as a cocktail bar with an extensive drinks menu.

Following a successful first year, the venue expanded in December 2024 to launch its full restaurant offering.

The grill-focused menu aims to cater for all tastes, with a strong emphasis on premium meats alongside a selection of vegetarian dishes.

Inside, a striking blue and gold interior creates a stylish setting, whether for a romantic dinner or brand new bottomless brunch, priced at £40 per person.

One of It Sear’s hidden highlights is the beer garden, where customers can make the most of a midweek two-for-£12 cocktail deal.

It Sear is renowned for a unique cocktail selection (Image: It Sear)

The venue’s growing popularity is clear from the number of repeat customers.

One diner said: “I’ve been more than 10 times since they opened as a bar and then a restaurant.

“I’ve eaten here more than six times and even had a family birthday.

“The food has always been excellent, the best place to eat and drink in Westhoughton in my opinion.”

Co-owner David has recently expanded his business ventures with the opening of games bar Room, just two doors down from It Sear.

The venue features interactive dartboards and a large shuffleboard table, alongside freshly prepared food served directly to customers’ tables.

“We’re trying to cater to a changing market,” he said.

“There are lots of young professionals in Westhoughton nowadays.

“People who used to live in Manchester, but felt trapped in apartments during COVID, now want to move out here and have more space.”

Like It Sear, Room focuses on preparing fresh food on site.

“We want to do things the same way, preparing all the meats and baking breads ourselves,” he added.

Readers can vote for their favourite restaurant by picking up a copy of The Bolton News and completing a voting slip. The winner will be announced at a later date.