Restaurants / Reviews
The Nook – restaurant review
Curious builders from the General Hospital site next door were peering in through the window of The Nook on a recent Tuesday lunchtime.
Redcliffe’s newest opening in the not much missed Velindra pub is from the same team as The Doghouse on St Stephen’s Street in the Old City, and the latest in food offerings in the neighbourhood, with Casamia literally just around the corner and Pi Shop due to open imminently.
The Nook’s opening was delayed by a series of build set-backs, and is still waiting for paving in the back garden, some more furniture and artwork for the walls, but the restaurant is already rocking a casual chic.
is needed now More than ever
Grey walls and denim-coloured woodwork are offset by stainless steel tables, quirky vintage ornaments, colourful strip lights behind the bar and a row of coat hooks made from copper tubing and red valve wheels.
More than just a pretty face, the food is admirably good. A selection of ‘small plates’ stand in place of starters, a resolutely English alternative to tapas according to staff, which are generous enough to enjoy as a light lunch.
The tantalisingly named beef and smoked cheddar bombs, served with slices of roast peppers and olives (£6.50) were like a British take on Italy’s arancini risotto balls, rounds of tasty minced beef enveloped in crunchy cheese and breadcrumbs.
Perfectly cooked scallops are served with potato fondant slightly sweetened by bacon and maple jam, the only complaint being the slate plate which made cutting them feel a bit like nails down a blackboard.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, your fancy might be tickled by dishes like cod with peppers, courgettes and fish broth (£14) or gnocchi with caramelised onion, beetroot and brie (£12.50).
The Nook is inventive without being cocky and staff are keen to please, rustling up a delicious iced coffee flavoured with hazelnut syrup (£3) on demand.
This pub-cum-restaurant will doubtless be popular with the new neighbours in the General as they continue to arrive. When word gets out this is going to be a popular stop.
The Nook, Commercial Road, Bristol, BS1 6TG
0117 925 0750