Al's Tikka Grill – Ashton Road, Bristol

Rocking up at what looked remarkably like a roadside 'greasy spoon' (complete with garish neon signage), it's fair to say that our group's first impression of Al's Tikka Grill was unanimously underpinned with a sense of realisation that the purpose of the penny-pinching print-out that we had purchased – with which we were entitled to dine at six quid a head - had been nothing more than a crude attempt to encourage bums on seats. I mean, although this is pretty much standard when it comes to the overall premise of these online 'daily deals', there are times when it becomes increasingly apparent why an eatery has opted to 'sell its soul' to this scheme...Yet, swallowing this shameless cynicism and trying not to judge a book by its cover - as well as resisting the urge to shoot accusing glances at the pal responsible for this particular choice of venue - we made our way into what incidentally *is* a greasy spoon, though for all intents and purposes, doubles up as an Indian restaurant by night...

Date and Time: Sunday 2nd September 2012, 7:30pm

Name of Establishment: Al's Tikka Grill*

Location: 33 Ashton Road, Bristol

Reason for visit: Beer and curry night with the boys

With earthen-effect tiles underfoot, minimal décor and a cheerful colour scheme, Al's Tikka Grill is a modest establishment which, although a little rough around the edges (yes, we're talking a trek through a dirty courtyard to a poorly lit outside toilet), is fundamentally remedied with a relaxed, almost homely ambiance; facilitated in the first instance by the the warm welcome received from Al and his team. In fact there is something almost endearing about the quirky (albeit rather random) touches about the space; the dominant presence of Shilpa Shetti for instance, whose life-sized portrait smiled down upon our table - as authentically Indian perhaps, as the subtly-pitched soundtrack that tinkled overhead.

On to the fare and given that we had spent what seemed like hours in front of the football prior to our 7:30pm reservation, we were unsurprisingly ravenous. Yet before ordering, we had to tend to the important business of dishing out the beers which, bought in as per the BYO policy, inadvertently delayed dining due to the detour to North Street that became necessary upon discovering that the nearest off-licence wasn't within walking distance – sigh! Minus this momentary set-back however, service was quick and efficient and despite the fact that we were entitled to a starter, main and a side each as part of the aforementioned voucher (cue a whole lotta' umm-ing and ahh-ing as the decision process unfolded), Al's friendly, upbeat attitude coupled with his knowledge of the menu, certainly sped up what could have otherwise proved a rather painful process! And with the table set – complete with warmed plates from Stoke on Trent (as one of its proud former inhabitants was quick to point out to five rather bemused faces) - the pickles and poppadoms made an entrance, shortly followed by our starters. For me, the onion bhajis (£2.95) which despite looking the part - generously portioned alongside a crisp-looking salad and a palate-cleansing raita – were disappointingly dry and floury in terms of their disposition. I also thought that the onion content should have been a little more evenly distributed as unpleasant chunkage made for a number of overpowering mouthfuls that, quite frankly, I could have done without! Others were rather more complimentary on the subject of what they had ordered; the Tandoori Chicken (£3.60) described by one of my dining companions as succulently textured and expertly seasoned.

When it came to the main event, the Chicken Tikka Masala (£7.25) was on fine form and, given that this is my consistent curry of choice, I consider myself something of an expert when it comes to what constitutes a good or bad effort. In this case, though characteristically creamy and full of flavour, I noted that the dish had been set a click or two above the usual level of spiciness which for me, was actually a bonus and yet could have proven problematic had I been of a weaker constitution! Others reported similar findings; the Chicken Jalfrayzi (£6.20) marrying whole green chillis with its distinctive contrast of sweet and sour and the Rezellah (£6.20) making its recipients' eyes water! The latter was reportedly a well-balanced ensemble in that its fiery attributes gave way to the intricate fragrance beneath and yet, I'm told, 'certainly not a choice for the faint hearted'! It later transpired that had we consulted the website prior to our visit, we would have known to ask the kitchen staff to tailor the pungency of each dish to suit our individual preferences – something to remember for next time perhaps....That said, dishes were predominantly well-received; proving rich, tasty and with an ample ratio of meat to sauce. Furthermore, pilau rice was served in abundance and of the sundries chosen, the peshwari naan proved the most popular - in my view not the best I've tasted, but well-executed nevertheless with that wonderful combination of sweet, earthy almond and the zing of juicy sultanas – yum! I will suggest however that there is a need to address the saltiness of the cuisine overall as judging from the raging thirst that plagued me long into the evening, the kitchen staff had fared a little sprinkle happy on this occasion!

In conclusion, the gang and I had an enjoyable evening at Al's – the boys joked about returning for a full English the following day in order to authenticate the review. Something which I'm sure would have made for interesting reading but was certainly not an experience that I'd be quick to endure; even for the good of the blog! In fact, I'm not sure (if I'm being completely honest) that I can see myself visiting again in any capacity given that I'm spoilt for choice, a lot closer to home, with a number of first-class curry houses. Subsequently, the likes of Downend's Tamarind*, the Sunday 'all-you-can-eat' extravaganza at Staple Hill's Curry Supreme and, of course, my trusty take-out; Kingswood's Curry Kings* really doesn't warrant this jaunt across town. That said, you really can't knock the faultless service, value for money and laid-back atmosphere at Al's – which the distinct lack of clientèle really didn't do any justice. Thus, although there is room for improvement, it's nothing that running a tighter ship (and smartening up one's premises) couldn't fix and I have no doubt that with Al at the helm, the need for bums on seats could become a thing of the past; perhaps even shunning the need to satisfy the breakfast rush in favour of a focus on a first-rate curry crusade!

And now for the second opinion....

A fellow diner gave Al's Tikka Grill a rating of 7/10 and in three words, described the venue as ‘unique’ and the fare, ‘flavoursome’ and ‘good-value’.

References:

http://www.alstikkagrill.com

http://www.tamarind-bristol.co.uk/

http://www.currykings-bristol.co.uk/

When the day job met the blog!

As you may or may not be aware, I spend my days (and sometimes my evenings) working as part of the Corporate Relations and Events Team at the University of the West of England (UWE). As such, I was recently asked to contribute to the brand new 'UWE Life Stories' Facebook page – a task which allowed me to reflect on the last nineteen months of Canapés, Cupcakes and Cocktails and in light of this, how much I've enjoyed celebrating my home town and all that it has to offer both its visitors and inhabitants. Consequently my contribution (and its obvious undercurrent of Bristolian pride) is as follows...

During the seven years that I’ve worked at the UWE, I've met a number of amazing people and, as someone who takes an interest in others (which is just another way of admitting to being nosy isn't it?!), I've discovered that most have something – a hidden talent if you will - that they busy themselves with outside of the workplace. As such, I've worked alongside a marathon runner, a DJ, a Science Fiction novelist, a punk rocker and the Volunteer Coordinator for Brisfest – people whose extra-curricular activities have moved me to tell you a little about mine!

Though I'm part of the University’s busy Corporate Relations and Events Team by day, by night (well early evening actually) I'm an unashamedly biased Bristolian and keen 'foodie' – both of which facilitate my blog which aims to review the city's vibrant foodie scene and the plethora of bars, cafés and restaurants that underpin it. Canapés, Cupcakes and Cocktails was founded in February 2011 with a review of Café du Jour on Whiteladies Road and since then has attracted a hungry following; receiving nearly 27,000 hits. Besides giving me an excuse to regularly indulge in fantastic fare, the blog has encouraged me to build on a network of like-minded food enthusiasts which, via the available social media platforms (predominantly Twitter), has played a huge role in opening my eyes to the best that Bristol has to offer; from underground supper clubs, 'secret' cocktail bars and events that showcase the high level of local culinary expertise. Returning to the 'day job' and UWE's focus on enhancing the student experience, I'd like to think that my posts can offer a ‘snack-shot’ of the city that our students have chosen for their studies – and from the humble brilliance of Pie Minister to the all-you-can-eat extravaganza at Za Za Bazaar, there really is something for everyone! I'm finding new favourites all the time and would love to think that I play a part in directing others to theirs!

No. 4 Clifton Village

It's fair to say that the event of remembering an unused Living Social* voucher - which entitles its holder to what basically constitutes a ‘free’ three course dinner - is comparable to finding a tenner down the back of the sofa! Thus, when the Best Foodie Friend (BFF) informed me that, on the day before pay day no less, we would embark on an evening of fine dining at No. 4 Clifton village – which, situated within a beautiful Georgian mansion, is not typically the kind of venue that one would associate with the end-of-the-month money situation, my response was underpinned with a similar sense of serendipitous joy!

Date and Time: Thursday 23^rd August 2012, 19:15

Name of Establishment: No. 4 Clifton Village*

Location: Rodney Place, Clifton

Reason for Visit: A resurrected Living Social deal

No. 4 Clifton Village is an award-winning restaurant and, as part of an independently owned and operated venue (which includes the Rodney Hotel), embodies a timely flair that fittingly adheres to its prestigious surroundings. Lofty sash windows, ornate ceilings and solid oak flooring have been married with sophisticated décor and at both the front and rear of the building are sweeping, well-kept gardens that both facilitate the many wedding photographs that are taken within them and provide a pleasant backdrop to the intimately-arranged (and really rather cosy) bar area. In fact, the BFF and I initially assumed this very position – nestling between the abundance of scatter cushions and bagging ourselves a glass of the Sicilian Borsari Inzolia each which at £5.50 for 230ml, fared rather well as an aperitif given its crisp citrus notes. And, after this brief stint in the bar – during which time, we were invited to peruse the menu in order to whet our appetites for the courses to come - the BFF and I were ushered into the restaurant where the continuation of an unfaltering stateliness (plus the subtle soundtrack playing out overhead) constituted a relaxed, almost serene ambiance – which, we noted, became less and less apparent as the evening progressed and the space became increasingly well-attended. Disappointingly, service was rather nondescript as the girls who waited our table, although polite and efficient, demonstrated as little interaction as they could verbally muster which I’m sure for some, wouldn't have been a problem (preferable perhaps) but to me, was perceived as stand-offish and at times even a little awkward.

The menu adheres to the concept of quality over quantity with a small yet varied selection of dishes which, facilitating local produce and drawing upon seasonal influences, has a distinctively modern European slant. To start, both the BFF and I ordered the chunky ham hock terrine (£6.25) which had been jewelled with carrot and celery; a technique which besides adding splashes of colour, provided an innovative contrast in terms of texture and taste. The melange of soused vegetables were a delicious accompaniment; though the teeny tiny pickled pickles were almost too cute to devour! The 'home-made focaccia', billed to arrive in the place of the crisp bruscetta that had been plated instead, was the object of a little shameless sulking on my part and, despite proving well-executed and tasty, said bruscetta didn't quite measure up in terms of what was otherwise considered a fantastically structured arrangement of edibles! With plates polished, we moved on to the main event; the slow cooked belly of pork (£16.50) for the BFF and the baked breast of chicken for me (£13.95) – both of which were beautifully presented and generously portioned. I was duly informed that the pork was melt-in-the-mouth delicious and the crackling offered admirable crunch, minus the danger of teeth-shattering tenancies! I found the chicken to be a little on the bland side and although the skin had been crisped to perfection; it lacked the presence of a much-needed sauce or marinade which would have perhaps added that necessary dimension of morishness. The rosti potato with its herb-infused drizzle was the real star of this ensemble however, with its deep, smoky undertones; flavours which seemed to appropriately compliment the sweetly glazed Chantenay carrots that the BFF and I had opted to share between us. Whilst we're on the subject, side dishes (at £3.00 each) are undoubtedly a good move given that main courses are not plied with vegetables as standard - the green beans for instance are particularly tasty – served al dente in a butter accented with garlic and shallots – yum!

Ham Hock Terrine

Breast of Chicken

Finally, let's move on to the hotly anticipated dessert course and the epic indulgence of the white and dark chocolate croissant pudding (£4.95) which, although sounding a little like a Sunday Lunch slop-it-and-see special, was an absolute triumph. Yes, this was unprecedented pudding porn in all its glory and with the swirled ying-yang effect of the chocolate, an intricately layered and surprisingly light disposition, not to mention the undeniable attention to detail whereby a delicate (though almost undetectable) Bay Leaf Anglaise secured its appeal, it was deemed visually delicious before even one bite had been taken, (to be fair I’m not sure why I expected anything less given the calibre of the courses thus far). The BFF ordered the Key Lime Pie (£6.50) which she was bemused to find had been flourished with what can only be described as a salad leaf – yet, despite this mismatched garnish fail, she enthused that her dessert was as refreshing as it was delicious – the flavours well-balanced and pronounced – hence, perfectly paired with the fluted Prosecco that (as part of the deal) had been served to conclude the proceedings.

Key Lime Time!

In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed my evening at No. 4 Clifton Village – the juxtaposition of what is clearly a top-end dining establishment with a refreshingly laid-back ambiance as well as the presence of an unmistakably high level of culinary expertise made this an ideal venue for a classy catch-up with the BFF. I’m not sure that this is somewhere I’d choose without a money-off voucher in tow however as, smack bang in the heart of the village equals that unparalleled Clifton-style mark-up, thus placing it (for me at least) securely within the ‘special occasion’ remit. Nevertheless, do not let this put you off...for, if you have the pennies, this is an ample outlet in which to part with them!

And now for the second opinion....

 The BFF gave No. 4 Clifton village a rating of 9/10 and in three words, chose to describe it as, 'intimate', 'elegant' and 'refined'.

References:

* http://www.livingsocial.com/united_kingdom/cities/212-bristol

* http://www.no4cliftonvillage.co.uk    

Salute! Cocktail Lounge Bar – Park Street, Bristol

As the newest in the line-up of late-night watering holes to border the ever-popular Park Street strip, Salute seemed an ample choice for a couple of mid-week drinkies to follow the evening's Piri Piri pit-stop at the adjacent branch of Nandos. As a group united in exploring the previously unexplored and quite frankly, too lazy to venture further up nor down the steep expanse, we inadvertently stepped into a venue boasting the best value for money that we'd experienced elsewhere in Bristol for a long time...

Date and Time: Tuesday 14^th August 2012, 20:30

Name of Establishment: Salute! Cocktail Lounge Bar*

Location: 50 Park Street, Bristol

Reason for Visit: Curiosity meets passive proximity

From the outside, Salute appears really rather smart; it's contemporary metallics, brightly-lit lettering and swirled 'S' emblem effectively drawing the odd passer-by or two into the dimly-lit and cavernous space within. Here, the large-scale bar is clearly the focal point, its purposeful presence flanked with sparsely-arranged furniture whereby deep-set leather sofas sit in clusters on a floor so sticky that it can even prove difficult to keep one's shoes intact! The central clearing, undoubtedly the makeshift dance floor, is further emphasised with neon lights, an array of revolving glitter-balls and most notably, a range of chart-topping dance tracks - facilitated on the large part by venue's resident DJ – which arguably, resounded at what could perhaps be considered a somewhat unsuitable pitch for a low-key Tuesday evening! That said, given the distinct lack of clientèle (which, we were promised, would pick up considerably after 11pm - something we didn't stay put long enough to find out) it did improve the overall ambiance; saving it from what could have been otherwise written off as downright vapid! For the record, though I'm aware that the preceding paragraph has hinted at the demise of my 'inner party-girl' (seriously, it's not a crime to want to be able to converse with those around you without falling victim of a raw throat the following day) I will duly point out that I had to show ID before being deemed of an appropriate age to enter this establishment, (much to the amusement of my drinking companions)...So there!

You might say that the venue's most notable pull-factor is the price of its drinks which are, on the large part, £2 each. This includes all the usual suspects including a large range of bottled drinks – from Peroni, Corona and Tiger to Magners, Bulmers and Kopparberg. Teeny-bopper alco-pops also make an appearance; the likes of Smirnoff Ice and WKD lurking behind the bar in all their 'kid-of-the 90s' glory! Spirits (complete with a choice of mixer) also come in at £2 each and it’s fair to say that the selection is pretty impressive. That said, I was disappointed that the gin varieties were limited to either Gordons or Bombay (Sapphire) and any chance of executing a Caipirinha was lost on account of the omission of cachaça from the otherwise ample rum/liquor selection. Shooters have also been brandished with the £2 treatment as do the range of soft drink options (bad news for the designated driver of the party I'm afraid). Hence, I'd advise that you bus into town and get involved with a few B52s instead which combine Kahlua, Baileys and Sambuca with delicious, albeit lethally moreish, results! Nevertheless, on this occasion, I opted to tread the cocktail path with a classic 'Black Russian' which at a mere £3, was generously measured (with that familiar mix of vodka, Tia Maria and cola) and even flourished with a pink, curly straw – hello Benidorm! The Dark Mojito also sounded rather alluring; its spicy noted appeal adding a new angle to the tried and tested classic that incidentally, happens to be a personal favourite. You may also be interested to know that a jug of any of the available cocktail concoctions will set you back a rather reasonable £9; for which you might even find yourself the proud owner of a decorative parrot* - here's hoping?!

OK, so contrary to what seems to be the case from its exterior, this is not a posh cocktail lounge, in fact it is almost a little seedy in terms of its disposition. I’m also not convinced by its suitability as a bookable venue for functions, though its arguably passable as the base for an 18 year old's birthday party! Furthermore, it needs to offer some kind of sustenance (or a small selection of salted snacks if you will) for, what is actually alluded to via the ‘Dining Room’ aspect of its namesake, might actually aid the mopping-up process required to counteract the affordability of the alcohol. That said, I have to question whether this unmistakable value for money will still be at large in six months time? I mean, once the Bristol Freshers descend upon the city and get a taste for Salute's current status as *the* place to begin one's night-out, coaxed in from the roadside by the A-framed posters sporting the numerous money-savers on offer within, will the prices inch their way into the remit of what is affectionately referred to (at least by me) as the grand Clifton price tag? We can only wait and see but at least for now, I can certainly recommend Salute for an affordable beverage or two...will it be heaving? Yes probably, will it be tacky, humid, noisy and potentially full of knob-heads? Yes, for sure, but do you know what? You'll bag yourself the cheapest drinks in town and if that isn't worth enduring all of the above for (or escaping these eventualities in favour of an early-evening visit), then I don't know what is!

And now for the second opinion...
The lovely BR gave Salute a rating of 4/10 and in three words, described its overall atmosphere as a 'little bit 90s'! 

References:

*http://www.salutebristol.co.uk/

Salute is open from 18:00 - 04:00 every day 

 *This is, of course, completely speculative!

The Burger Joint – Cotham Hill, Bristol

The Burger Joint all but saved the day last Tuesday from what could have otherwise been hailed as a dinner-time disaster. I think it speaks volumes that my friends and I opted to trek all the way from Gloucester Road, in no less than monsoon-style conditions, from the venue initially chosen for our natter and nosh up. Although our 'first choice' served up a catalogue of errors which caused us to jump ship, the pull of The Burger Joint's undisputed reliability factor led to a burger-based pilgrimage across town and will no doubt underpin the (rather gushing) review that follows...

Date and Time: Tuesday 7^th August 2012

Name of Establishment: The Burger Joint*

Location: Cotham Hill, Bristol

Reason for Visit: A trustworthy tummy tantaliser!

Intimately inviting, The Burger Joint hints at an American diner theme and yet ditches the tried-and-tested 'retro' effect for block-colour and sophisticated simplicity. It fathoms a similar appeal to that of a friend's gaff in that the venue's established neighbourhood-favourite badge has been channelled through its closely-arranged furniture and friendly ambiance; the latter clearly securing a strong following in that it can sometimes prove difficult to bag a table at all. In fact, this is perhaps the primary reason for the hotly anticipated re-location of The Burger Joint whereby owner, Dan and his crew will be swapping premises with the Whiteladies Road branch of Planet Pizza in the Autumn of 2012.

On to the menu and first of all, I have to commend the novelty-factor of ordering from tick-lists; checking the boxes that correspond to your chosen content; toppings, sauces and side-orders. I almost always opt for the grilled chicken burger as it ultimately constitutes a free-range, amply-sized and juicy chicken breast which, coupled with crispy bacon and slathered with melted Swiss is simply delicious! Besides chicken, you can choose from the likes of 6oz prime beef, lamb and mint, pork sage and apple, mixed mushroom and even venison – on the large part, burgers have been priced at £7.50, though there are often 'Voucher Cloud'* deals to be had to satisfy the spending-savvy amongst us!

Toppings, at 70p each or three for £1.80, are positively plentiful and you're encouraged to unleash your creativity with a multitude of available combinations; in fact, a friend of mine once ordered the unthinkable and 'doubled up' his burger via an unusual multi-meat approach; sandwiching chicken with beef with a buffer of onion rings - tasty? We can only take his word for it...! Extremities aside, there are four varieties of cheese on offer including the aforementioned Swiss as well as Brie, Cheddar and a good-quality blue. There is also the option to add chorizo, roasted peppers, grilled red chillis, sautéed mushrooms or even a free-range fried egg! Sides (the first of which is free with your burger) are as equally abundant; the hand-cut chips proving thick and moreish and the home-made coleslaw, flavoursome and creamy. That said, the absolute winner for me has to be the sweet potato fries which are by far, the best I've ever tasted given their well-executed composition whereby a crisp exterior suitably encases the distinctive soft, earthiness within. We're also talking thirteen different sauces - two of which you can choose for free - which include all the usual suspects. These can can either be added to your burger or provided in rather lady-like dipping pots on the side of your plate! When it comes to the bap itself, gone is the doughy, anaemic-looking bloat-provoker that can so often be cheaply sourced elsewhere and instead, ciabatta rolls have been facilitated from a nearby artisan bakery. It is also worth mentioning that lettuce, red onions, sliced tomato and slithers of (the dreaded) gherkin are added to each burger as standard and so if any of these ingredients don't particularly float your boat, it is best to add a brief sub-note to your form, (complete with smiley face as let's face it, it always pays to be polite). Finally, you can remove the carb-component altogether in favour of the burger salad which is exactly what it says on the tin – your choice of burger, with all the trimmings, sans bread!

Grilled Chicken Burger with all my favourite trimmings!

Check out those sweet potato fries!

As a licensed venue, The Burger Joint offers a compact yet thoughtfully arranged selection of beers, wines and cider which, in my view, stand at prices outside of the usual Clifton-style spectrum, (vino coming in at just over three quid for a medium-sized glass). Alcohol aside however, the milkshakes (at a mere £2.60 each) are definitely where it's at given their thick, rich-tasting appeal; the caramel edition in particular proving especially decadent. This also makes up for the limited line-up of puddings which, to be fair, I've never had room to sample!

In conclusion, I really can't recommend The Burger joint enough; if the premise of tasty, build-your-own burgers doesn't move you, nor the notion of fresh, locally sourced ingredients whereby an 'emphasis on quality' denotes that everything is hand-made in a cutesy home-from-home style kitchen, then surely the timely money-saving deals, in addition to the option to order your din dins 'to-go' so to enjoy it from the comfort of your own home, will swing it for you! Yes, it may not be considered gourmet cuisine but The Burger Joint is definitely the best of its kind in our beloved Bristol – get involved...you'll definitely be glad that you did!

And now for the second opinion...

My fellow diner, the beautiful SM, gave The Burger Joint an impressive 10/10 and in three words, summed up her experience as 'satisfying', 'delicious' and 'consistent'.

References:

*http://www.theburgerjoint.co.uk/index.html

*http://www.vouchercloud.com/

Afternoon Tea at The Ritz, London

Afternoon Tea at The Ritz has become something of an institution be it the inarguable epitome of daytime indulgence. With an illustrious reputation for fine dining, a 'sitting' at the hotel's prestigious Palm Court ensures a positively first rate experience which although also warrants a rather sizeable price tag, is perfect for a special occasion...

Date and Time: Wednesday 11^th July 2012, 11:30

Name of Establishment: The Ritz*

Location: 150 Piccadilly, London

Reason for Visit: An extra-special birthday treat for an extra-special auntie

Upon ascending from the hustle and bustle of Green Park tube station, it becomes instantly clear that The Ritz really does equals glitz; its name, brandished in lights above the window displays of fine jewellery, accentuating its presence amidst the other high-profile landmarks that embellish this part of the city. Dating back to 1905, this is a space which screams sophistication; with stunning art-deco handiwork, high ceilings, rich colours and plush furnishings tastefully reflecting the anticipated etiquette of an establishment of this calibre. Here, service is impeccable; the sincerity of the welcome extended to each and every guest setting a precedent for the duration of one's visit. I really liked that such a high level of service (whereby I became 'madame' for the day and my napkin had been placed across my lap before I'd even had time to unfold it) did not constitute an air of pretension; quite the contrary in fact as the waiters (all six of them) that addressed our table were not only courteous and efficient but cheerful and chatty; something which took the formality from what could have otherwise proved a rather stuffy affair. Furthermore, I noted how well-attended the space had become and, despite having to take afternoon tea well before noon (seriously, I suggest that you book early), a back-drop of contented chatter muddled with a little musical input courtesy of The Ritz' resident pianist, Ian Gomes, really made for a relaxed ambiance.

Ritz-style Bling!

Tea-cups for coffee

First up, a drink or two and despite the seventeen types of loose-leaf tea on offer (which includes the likes of; Rose Congou, Rooibos Red and the ever-so aptly-named Ritz Royal English), my auntie and I opted for coffee which, served into dainty bone-china tea cups from solid silver jugs, certainly looked the part. In addition to this, it would have been rude not to toast to the birthday girl with a little fizz – The Ritz offer champagne at £19 a glass, or you can opt for the package that includes it...OK OK, I know what you're really waiting for, a round up of the grub which began with a round of six varieties of daintily portioned crust-less sandwiches; my favourite of which constituted the cheddar cheese and chutney ensemble which, layered between slices of fresh onion bread, ensued a deliciously punchy after-taste. We were also treated to chicken breast and horseradish cream on white and Scottish smoked salmon on rye; the latter accented with the citrus zing of lemon butter, yum! My auntie particularly enjoyed the traditional cucumber sandwich which, arguably an institution in itself, had, in this case, been combined with cream cheese and dill. Flecked with caraway seeds, the wholemeal batch utilised for this undersized sarnie offered a decidedly fragrant twist to the tried and tested recipe!

Next up came a duo of perfectly-formed and freshly-baked scones; the latter evident on account of their oven-warmed disposition. Slathering both fruit and plain varieties with strawberry preserve and Devonshire clotted cream, I can report that these were beautifully textured and tasty; though, I have to be honest, not the best I've ever tasted due to the genius of the buttermilk and lemon curd scones that I am somewhat partial to stock-pile upon each and every visit to Bristol's Lahloo Pantry! Nevertheless, It has to be said that The Ritz excelled in the confectionery department; the petit fours on the top tier of the initial arrangement causing that sharp intake of breath as they were just.that.beautiful! The rosewater macaron for instance was especially imaginative; its pastel-pink appeal and careful composition proving almost as decadent as its exquisite aroma given that even the pod of subtly-sweet Panna Cotta had been finished with a coin of white chocolate that sported the distinctive 'R' emblem. To accompany this, fruit tarts piled with plump raspberries, an intricately constructed chocolate ganache (which was essentially a chocoholics dream) and a bite-sized mille-feuille which delicately balanced a lightly whipped vanilla cream with flaky pastry - heaven! After being plated another helping of sandwiches, plus two additional macarons (at my request), a trolley of additional cake-type creations began to do the rounds. This comprised an impressive-looking carrot cake, complete with prettily piped peaks of crème fraîche as well as a strawberry and pistachio franzipan which I have on good authority, was absolutely divine! By this point however, we simply had to decline any further replenishment given that we were well and truly ready to rest our (very full) stomachs; opting instead to sit awhile, people-watch and recover from what had unsurprisingly accelerated to a sugar-rush of epic proportions!

All together now...oooooh!

Snap them up or they'll be scone!?

In conclusion, it's fair to say that afternoon tea at The Ritz altogether lived up to my expectations. Not only was the fare fantastic, the service was faultless and the surroundings recherché – not to mention the attention to detail proving second to none. Incidentally (or not if you're into shameless name-dropping) my auntie and I were also impressed to note the presence of The Ritz' more famous clientèle; the pomp and ceremony attracting even the likes of an ex-American president! And quite frankly, if it's good enough for the A-list, it's good enough for us...as it was, without doubt, the fanciest foodie foray of the year thus far...

The franzipan we were allowed to take home in a doggy bag...yes really!

So much sugar, we were seeing double!

And now for the second opinion...

The Birthday Girl herself gave The Ritz a phenomenal 10/10 and in three words, described the experience as ' truly truly scrumptious!'

References:

*http://www.theritzlondon.com

NB. There are five sittings every day at: 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm and prices are as follows:

Traditional Afternoon Tea - £42

Champagne Afternoon Tea - £54

Where's Bill?!

Severn Shed - The Grove, Bristol

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...

References:

*http://www.severnshedrestaurant.co.uk/