There are venues that call themselves a gastro pub, and then there are real gastro pubs. The Tailors Arms thankfully falls into the latter category.
This new venture has been open only seven weeks but is already getting amazing reviews – and here comes another…
The Tailors Arms have taken pub food to another level, whilst they have offerings on the menu which would appear to be your standard pub grub, they please the palate of the foodie connoisseur too which means there’s something for everyone. Fish & Chips and burgers sit alongside Kashmiri Chicken and Duck Breast to create a feast, for not only the stomach, but the senses.
Dishes are presented so beautifully they could have walked off a food catwalk if there were such a thing, a dash of colour here, an edible flower there, but not only do they look great, they taste great too.
Breathing new life into the former Wilford Green pub & kitchen are Nick Procopiou and his brother-in-law Theo Tsiolas. Both from a food back ground, Nick owns Greek tapas eatery Cuzina in West Bridgford and Theo, who grew up with chip shop owner parents, joins him. Relocating to Nottingham from Liverpool, Theo has eight years of restaurant experience under his belt in eight different restaurants.
They are passionate about good food, devising the gastro British menu alongside their chef, they are proud to be independent. Good food means good business for these family men who are keen to build a solid reputation and put their mark on the Nottingham food map.
What strikes you as you look at the menu are the choice of starters. Straight away they distinguish them from your standard pub. A seasonal menu offers pan-fried scallops with crispy pancetta and black pudding and belly of pork with butternut squash and apple sauce.
I’m trying to be good so opted for the Caesar salad. A salads a salad you might well think. Wrong, fresh crisp iceberg lettuce is mixed with delicately flavoured crispy garlic croutons, tailor-made Caesar sauce and Parmesan shavings and it’s anything but bland.
We also try the pan-fried salmon fish cakes. Lovely and soft with just the right amount of potato on the inside and lovely and crisp on the outside. They are served with homemade tartar sauce and a pea puree. We pick up from the taste that the puree is made from fresh peas rather than frozen. The whole dish leaving your mouth full of flavour.
Our main courses are just as exceptional and beautifully presented. We try the tasty Duo of Fish – salmon within seabass, served with piped creamy mashed potato, sauteed veg and fennel sauce.
The Pan Fried Duck Breast is served with rich dauphinoise potatoes with a crisp layer of cheese on top, red wine jus, sauteed veg and butternut squash puree. What is impressive is that nothing is out-of-place on the plate – everything has a purpose – to compliment something else on the plate. Theo has a saying that “fusion is confusion” – that people often don’t appreciate flavours thrown together. Happily these boys have got the balance just right. They have also managed to source locally wherever possible.
Did I say I was being good? I was trying, right up until the moment I amour’d the S’amoure. I can happily say that I’ve found love again – in a dessert. I need to be alone with this dessert and fully take advantage of its rich, smooth chocolate mousse. I’ve never seen this on a dessert menu before, I never need to see anything else on a dessert menu again. Totally indulgent and totally delicious.
I round a fantastic evening of food off with a coffee. Even that has a special touch. No dry biscuit to be seen, instead there is chocolate sandwiched between crisp wafer biscuit.
A £100,000 revamp has benefited the building separating the dining area from the bar creating two defined areas. The decor is modern but classy. Mismatched chairs add to the charm.
Speaking of charm, manager Amanda is a real asset to the business. Experienced in hospitality, Amanda has worked at several Nottingham venues including Veeno where I remembered her from. When I met her the first time, I was struck by her friendliness.
Whether it’s an evening meal, a lazy brunch, afternoon tea or a Sunday roast, The Tailors Arms has it covered. For more information visit: https://www.thetailorsarms.com/
By Tanya Louise
Editor
@tanyalouise_
Disclaimer: Our meal was complimentary but my views are my own.
For accommodation nearby visit: https://www.booking.com
