Considering it opened back in march this year, for some reason I hadn’t got around to going to Purecraft, located in a beautiful heritage building on St Peters Gate. So, when we were invited to the Taste of Purecraft event last week, we jumped at the chance.
Bang in the centre of Nottingham, close to the Market Square, the bar and kitchen is situated perfectly to enjoy during a shopping trip, for an evening meal, or to begin or end your evening out on the tiles.
So let’s start with the building itself. Beautiful, yet quite clearly screams “I used to be a bank”, the listed building was infact the previous home of the old HSBC Bank. High ceilings and big windows give it away, as do the ‘hard to navigate after a few drinks in heels’ type of winding stairs to the loos and tasting station below the main floor (the two are separate obviously)
We’re given bottle tops to exchange for free beer (tonight only kids) Purity Brewing have created so many wonderful beers that it was hard to choose, guaranteeing a return visit to try more, ok lets be honest, paying for more on the night when we’d run out of bottle tops.
Purecraft Bar and Kitchen is the mastermind of a number of experienced figures within the hospitality industry. The Purecraft team comprises of Paul Halsey from Purity Brewing, Andreas Antona from two excellent Michelin Starred restaurants and Martin Hilton a previous director from Mitchel and Butlers limited. This trio promise a quality experience for all customers without sacrificing the edge that a venue like this demands.
So, let’s talk food. Purecraft offers a reasonably priced main menu with a selection of different options. Tonight was a taster of what they have to offer.
First up, we try the Green Tea Seared Tuna with Pickled Ginger, Nam Jim and Coriander Aiolo. Nice. I’d have this again.
Next were the Chipolatas with Toasted Brioche and Beer Chutney. These were ok but a little dry. (I’ve made something similar in honey which were nicer – I’ll just drop that in) The Chipolatas were served at the same time as the Mac ‘N’ Cheese, which again, sadly was very dry.
Next up – crispy pig cheeks. Get past the fact I hate the sound of eating something that sounds like a face, and these were actually nice. Served with Curried Cauliflower and Apple Gel, the dish worked.
Spinach and Goats Cheese Tortellini with Warm Tomato Salsa, Basil followed. I heard mixed views on these but I actually quite liked them.
The next course was Bavette Steak, Beer Butter, Watercress with Triple Cooked Chips. Whenever I’ve had steak on a taster menu they tend to be small pieces. This was the case here, that said, there was enough to determine that this was another great dish.
All good meals end with desert, and this one ended with a fabulous desert.- Chocolate and Toffee Bon Bons. You have to try these. Promise me you will. Simply amazing!
Not a new venue in terms of the rate they’re opening in Nottingham, but if like me, it’s new to you, then what are you waiting for? It won’t be my last visit.
By Tanya Raybould
Editor
@tanyalouiseray
