At  Sé Anar, the story behind this local Blackpool restaurant is just as important as the menu itself. After more than two decades working in education, founder Renuka made the decision to step away from a long-standing career to pursue a different kind of calling. Encouraged by family and inspired by watching Asma Khan on Chef’s Table, the idea of opening a restaurant turned from a long-held dream to reality.
The name  Sé Anar translates as “A for Anar”, with anar meaning pomegranate which is a symbol often associated with beauty, ambition and prosperity. It’s also a reflection of the restaurant’s roots, drawing on influences from Jodhpur and Kolkata, and the founder’s own upbringing. That personal connection carries through to the menu, where small, handwritten-style notes add context to certain dishes, giving a sense of where they come from and why they matter.
There’s a strong emphasis on hospitality here and the service is guided by the Indian principle of Athithi Devo Bhava which encourages hosts to think deeply about their guests's experiences, ensuring that they are attentive and caring. Meanwhile, the concept of sobremesa promotes lingering over conversation, enjoying an evening of long, informal chats that stretch across plates of food.
The menu reflects a mix of traditional Indian cooking and broader influences. Starters include chicken pakora served with plum and cranberry chutney, and chicken momo, a style of dumpling popular in the north-east of India. Mains carry more personal references: a lamb curry based on a grandmother’s recipe, sea bass cooked with mustard and green chillies as a nod to Kolkata, and Afghan chicken in a coriander and mint marinade with a creamy cashew gravy. While, desserts bridge cultures, from kheer with cardamom and nuts to a sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream.