Weekend Edit : Where To Eat
Laura on 10 Oct 2014
We all love to indulge at the weekend, that’s what all of our hard work in the week is for isn’t it? This doesn’t however, mean that we have the time to get clued up on what to do and where to eat by the time you’ve finished that endless Friday in the office!
To make things a little easier for you we’ve taken a look at some of the top places to eat around the UK this weekend, from the latest hotspots, to some old favourites, there’s always a range to choose from in your nearby cities. So, after work this evening, sit back, relax, and enjoy a refreshing glass of Sauvignon Blanc while you ponder what plans to make over this weekend.
London – Little Bay Restaurants
This is one that I discovered very recently and have since been twice, so it’s safe to say that I highly recommend, and with sites in Farringdon, Kilburn, Croydon and Brighton, they pretty much have a location to suit everyone. A great little find if you’re looking for a memorable venue, great food and even better value. I’d say the decor is half of Little Bay’s charm, creating a bohemian and extravagant environment with hidden away balcony booths that are perfect for small tables, with elaborate red and gold furniture that is sure to make you feel like you’ve been taken out of London for the evening. Founded by Peter Ilic, who is credited with an impressive background working at some of the best restaurants across London, this influence is very apparent in the food, creating a strong menu of modern, European and French cuisine. You can expect dishes along the lines of choux de crab with citrus hollandaise, duck two ways, and a sea salt pecan tart. Did I mention that with their early bird menu you could get all three courses for £11.95 too?
A firm favourite amongst the team in Bath, Hudson Steakhouse is located in a beautifully renovated, Victorian ‘edge-of-town’ pub. With prime, dry aged steaks being the main focus on the menu, this is complimented by dishes with clear Asian influences and the usual delicious classics, not to mention their award winning wine list. With starters beginning at £6.95 and prime beef up to £33.95, there’s a lot of scope with this menu, so you can make the experience your own.
Norwich’s Appleyard & Co on Exchange Street offers an interesting and original tapas menu if you’re looking for a bite to eat without the fuss of a serious sit down dinner. The wine bar environment creates an energetic atmosphere where you can enjoy a quick drink with some live entertainment, and this week you can experience the delights of Norwich Cocktail Week too. The menu has some great options worth exploring whilst you’re there; from lamb bobotjie with banana chips to breaded sardines and caper mayonnaise, all ranging from £3-£7, if you’ve not popped in already, this weekend is the perfect time to pay a visit!
With the rising trend in artisan breads, deli style sharing boards, and small plates, I thought Bakerie was definitely worth a mention. Having been around for a while now, it’s settled in well just off Stevenson Square and is continuing to provide Manchester’s Northern Quarter with a well thought out and varied menu, all based around wonderfully baked bread! There are plenty of options available, ranging from light bites at around £5 to mains at £10-12, and the menu is adaptable for gluten free, dairy free and vegan diners, so no need to feel left out. If you’re looking for an alternative to your classic roast dinner then take a look at the Sunday boards they have to offer for a nice twist on the norm.
I’ve been a big fan of the ‘street food’ trend of recent years because it enabled me to experience new flavours and discover new cuisines on quite a broad scale. The outdoor venues for events I’ve visited in the past are great for sampling small and varied selections, but now the weather has turned, it’s time to look for somewhere that can sit us inside and keep us warm whilst offering the same style and quality of food that we’re looking for. Dabbawal in Newcastle fits the bill perfectly, offering Indian street food in a tapas style, consisting of a range of small and large plates from £1.95 - £14.50. The open kitchen here still provides that feel of involvement and an outdoor environment too, so the experience doesn’t lose its charm. My recommendation if you looking to try something a bit different would be the Jaffrani Salmon, but take your pick and try a selection, there’s plenty to choose from!
This award winning, family run restaurant in the heart of Edinburgh is definitely not one to miss. Priding themselves on sourcing their produce from small, local, artisan growers, their ethos is strong and their menu speaks wonders, with the quality being clear from the ingredients list alone. There are a number of choices available, including an 8 course tasting menu at £65, bites from £4 and mains from £15 depending on time of day and which ‘space’ you choose for your meal.