I've
spent rather a lot of time in Severn Shed of late; once for dinner, a
couple of times to snack from the Tapas-style 'small plates' menu but
predominantly, to make the most of the (quite frankly awesome)
two-for-one cocktail deal which runs from 4:00pm till close every
single day. And, what better to balance out this money-saving common
sense than with a little silliness...yes, I'm referring to the
drunken frivolities brought about by too many passion fruit daiquiris
– a phenomenon lovingly identified amongst my nearest and dearest
with the #blamedaiquiri hashtag, (yes, we really are that cool!)
Consequently, besides documenting what one can expect to find in
terms of this venue’s overall ambiance, as well as the edibles it
has to offer, this post will primarily factor as an ode to my
new-found favourite tipple…
Date
and Time: Miscellaneous - there have been SO.MANY.VISITS!
Name
of Establishment: Severn Shed*
Location:
The Grove, Bristol
Reason
for Visit: See above
Given
its ties to the popular chain restaurant, Coal Bar and Grill, it is
surely to be commended that Severn Shed has managed to retain its
sense of independence; feeling notably different to other outlets
set-up within this seven-part franchise. Bristol's alternative Coal
for instance, which is aptly placed amidst the family-friendly hubbub
that encompasses the eateries flanking the top floor of Cabot Circus,
seeming really rather removed from the sophisticated décor and cool
minimalism apparent within the enviable harbour-side location of its
sibling. Yes, having once existed in its own right as a dining
establishment, Severn Shed seems to be marketed at a slightly more
adult audience - the smart marble-topped bar and
impressively-arranged florals effectively channelling an orchestrated
sense of finesse. Furthermore, the intrigue of a former boathouse
rumoured to have once belonged to the legendary engineer, Isambard
Kingdom Brunel, is always going to make for an engaging backdrop and,
from the leather-effect booths that comprise the bar area to the
alfresco action available from the river-side terrace, it is, in
fact, only the emblem on the menu that links this venue to its parent
company. Service is amply attentive and although I haven’t yet
forgiven the boys behind the bar for my ‘birthday shot’ of 62%
proof rum, it’s fair to say that an appropriate balance of friendly
banter and welcomed standoffishness has been demonstrated during each
and every visit.
The
à la carte
menu
constitutes a mish-mash of (mostly) Mediterranean favourites which
are accountable to Executive Chef, Antonio Dias; who originates from
Coimbra, Portugal. Here, fresh fish, meat and seasonal produce is
sourced, where possible, from local suppliers and from Chicken
Schnitzel to Chimichanga, (hmm, not sure that Mexico is on the Med?!)
and my personal favourite, the House Pizza – topped with Parma ham,
goats cheese, artichoke, sun-dried tomato, rocket and fresh pesto –
there really is something to suit every palate. For me, starting with
a portion of the stone-baked garlic pizza bread (with melted cheese
and caramelised red onion) is always a highlight, though you may wish
to share this with a friend or two as it warrants a large appetite to
finish the whole thing, especially of you are
going to indulge yourself with that aforementioned House Pizza!
Speaking of sharing, the small plates (available at £10.95 for
three) are perfect if you’re after a range of tasty morsels to
accompany a drink or two; my top picks include the paprika wedges
which are served with a lemon and thyme crème fraîche
and
the warm chorizo with its oily, garlic bite.
When
it comes to dessert, I've never been overly impressed with the dishes
I've ordered whereby it seems that presentation exceeds substance; a
cleverly woven arrangement of spun sugar attractively crowning each
dish and yet proving teeth-breakingly inedible; at times, much like
the mediocre pud which sits beneath it. That said, I have yet to
sample the Bailey’s Crème Brûlée
which I have on good authority, is really rather delicious!
Personally though, I’ve always opted to save the money earmarked
for dessert for another round of cocktails, (yes, yes…I have a
problem!) Thus, without further ado, let me share with you the
content of this coveted cocktail menu (which, you may wish to be
note, is differently arranged at the Cabot Circus branch of Coal) –
firstly, it’s important to be aware that the BOGOF offer denotes
that both cocktails have to be the same and yet, the presence of the
passion fruit daiquiri significantly minimises any aversion to this
caveat. I mean, described as ‘moreish’ and ‘dangerously
drinkable’ by my cocktail-drinking companions, whilst combining
white rum with passion fruit purée, sugar, lime and a touch of
coconut liqueur (which is the unofficial 'extra' ingredient that
really seals the deal in terms of its deliciousness), it really is an
addictive tipple. Plus, taking you to a sunshiney spot within the
realms of your imagination, (come on, we all know that summer's been
cancelled this year), this is a beach-bar beverage and then
some...yet at £3.75 a pop, it’s significantly cheaper than a
flight to the Costa del Sol! Just in case this isn't your bag
(seriously?!) I should probably mention that there are a total of six
cocktails to choose from this specific line-up and also, a number
which amount to only £4.75 within the ‘Happy Hour’ remit
including the likes of the classic Cosmopolitan and a rather zesty
Apple Martini – yum!
 |
| Daiquiri Action |
In
conclusion, Severn Shed is an ample choice for both edibles and/or a
well-timed drink or two. I’d suggest that it indubitably outshines
its Cabot Circus based equivalent; arguably serving a more varied
clientèle and even boasting a DJ that helps facilitate a party
atmosphere post 9:00pm. For, although Coal is predominantly a
restaurant, Severn Shed is attended as a bar in its own right and
certainly for me, its fare is not its USP - although it is
altogether satisfactory, I’ll re-visit time and time again in response to the
lurid pull of that decidedly divine passion fruit daiquiri…
And
now for that all-important second opinion...
In
three words, friend 'PAWS' summed up the appeal of Severn Shed as
'alfresco cocktail quaffing' and gave the venue a rating of 8/10 –
would we be quite so keen without its 'signature' tipple? The jury's
out...
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