Until I moved out of the city to be nearer nature and into the pretty valley town of Rawtenstall, I hadn't quite appreciated that wonderful diversity.
I'm not saying that my adopted town is bereft of pubs - it has some great traditional ones - but I have always maintained the place on the cusp of a style revolution, with trendy hair salons, clothes and gift shops setting the pace already, and a bar would soon open to reflect this.
So I knew if I kept uttering that mantra to myself enough times while pacing the cobbled high street something cosmic would materialise. And here we have it, Do Dah's Café Wine Bar.
The beige sofa brigade have arrived in Rawtenstall, and I shall personally be putting out a flag. OK, by the standards of many million pound city centre bars this won't win any sleek design prizes, but it is charming, spacious and benefits from a air conditioning system that would chill even Leah's false appendages.
Charming
There are two levels in the bar, the downstairs overlooks the charming cobbled high street, with couches and luxury leather dining sets, while the first floor has sofas to chill out in.
It isn't edgy, it isn't overdressed, but it is stylish in its own way, and offers its customers a great place to drink and socialise.
On the opening night, and many subsequent ones the place has been rammed - a sure sign that more bars will follow Do Dah's progressive lead in a town bursting with potential.
One thing you will find about almost everyone in this valley is the friendliness and unpretentious nature of the residents. Do Dah's staff are approachable, helpful and chatty without being intrusive, the table service is prompt, and the conversation is genuine.
Rhone
If I could improve one thing, it would be the wine list, which for a wine bar is a bit predictable, albeit good value - I'd like to see some organic wines offered, perhaps a Rhone Viognier or Marsanne variety, and a great Sangiovese - but what bottles Do Dah's do have are reasonably priced, the Chablis is wonderfully crisp, the champagne selection is extensive.
Beer is by the bottle with Budvar, Peroni and Corona all stocked, alongside some fizzy, fruity numbers. The full lunchtime menu reduces in the evenings to platters and tapas style.
I have no doubt that Do Dah's will be a huge success and hopefully be the catalyst needed for some more entrepreneurs to take up the challenge. In the meantime to the sisters, and their mum who run the place - three cheers for great addition to the town's social scene.
Do Dah's, 103-105 Bank Street, Rawtenstall (01706 211011). Mon-Wed, 10am-4pm; Thu-Sat, 10am-midnight; Sun, 10am-4pm. Tweet
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Went along to Do-Dah's at lunchtime today. They have certainly designed and decorated it impeccably, the facilities are clean and the atmosphere is pleasant. Service was very friendly and courteous. Our choice of food - a Chicken Caesar salad and a Ploughmans. However, both my dining partner and I felt that whilst these dishes were excellently presented, they didn't really represent good value for money. The chicken caesar salad was ??6.95 and the ploughman's ??5.95. Very little cheese in the Ploughmans and a little more variety on the salad would have been nice - ie maybe a cherry tomato or two and cucumber slices. In fairness the waitress did say that they were contemplating reviewing this dish as it had received previous complaints. The caesar salad couldn't be faulted except I do feel that nearly ??7 for a dish of green leaves, croutons, caesar sauce and chopped chicken breast is a bit pricey in this neck of the woods. Lovely hot latte and cafetiere of decaff coffee. We will certainly be going back to Do-Dah's but will make sure we choose something we feel is better value for money. By the way, the cakes looked delicious............