The Square Kitchen - Bristol Food Review

Posted on: 2017-06-14

Our rating:

The Square Kitchen describe themselves as, ‘one of the best restaurants in Bristol’ and their award winning food as ‘forward thinking’. Their Head Chef, Kyle Jordaan, and his team create seasonal menus focusing on the best of local produce.


I was lucky enough to be invited to try the dinner menu along with a group of my blogging friends. We started the evening with a cocktail in the subterranean cocktail bar. The styling is lovely, with velvet sofas and exposed brickwork. There’s an extensive cocktail menu, with all the classics included. We were slightly unlucky that a few of the key ingredients had run out when we visited, but the staff were really great about helping us to choose alternatives, and tailoring the cocktails to our tastes. When the weather is nicer, there’s a lovely terrace garden outside.

The Square Kitchen - Bristol Food Review - Cocktail

After our cocktails, we made our way back upstairs to the dining room. The upstairs rooms are styled in a similar fashion; exposed brickwork, a wooden floor and bright touches of colour here and there. The room is bright and relaxed, having big windows to one side, and a huge mirror bouncing light back into the room.

 

Onto the food! We began with an amuse bouche of pressed ham and pickles. Delicately balanced on top of the ham are a crunchy, piccalilli-esque onion and tiny floret of cauliflower. To the side, teeny tiny cubes of pickled veg. This was a lovely start to the meal.

The Square Kitchen - Bristol Food Review - Amuse Bouche

For my starter, I chose Seared scallops, Serrano ham chips, chilli, lime and coriander, clam salad, lemon spherification, caviar at £9. This was a lovely starter which had freshness from the chilli, lime and coriander and the lemon spheres, salty crunch from the ham chips, and sweetness from the scallops. I was impressed with the attention to detail and the finely crafted balance between all of the elements.

The Square Kitchen - Bristol Food Review - Scallops and Serrano Ham

For my main course I chose the Assiette of lamb which has lamb fillet and loin, braised breast, lamb kidney, spinach, butternut and parsnip purees, chantenay carrots, lamb jus and is £18. I loved the variety on the plate. I have to admit that I didn’t eat the kidney, but I did try a little bit. The variety of cuts really showcased the different qualities; the breast was rich and satisfying, and the loin was beautifully cooked and tender. I shared an order of the saffron mash which was £3.50. It was really delicious and the perfect accompaniment to the lamb.

The Square Kitchen - Bristol Food Review - Assiette of Lamb

Finally, I managed to find room for pudding. I had the chocolate bomb, peanut butter parfait, banana mousse, salt caramel, which is £6.50. When the dessert is brought to your table, the chocolate bomb is a beautiful sphere, over which the warm salt caramel is poured. I’ve only got an ‘after’ photo which definitely doesn’t do this dessert justice. This dessert was wonderful. I loved the fun of the melting sphere of chocolate, and despite the richness of the components, the dish wasn’t cloying or heavy. Any of the elements could have stood alone and I’d have been happy, and they were wonderful together.

The Square Kitchen - Bristol Food Review - Chocolate Bomb

The setting and atmosphere make The Square Kitchen the perfect location for a celebration meal, and the delicious food and friendly service make it that extra bit special.

 

Value 4

Service 4

Food 5

Atmosphere 5

For more info please visit: www.thesquareclub.com/square-kitchen-restaurant. The Square Kitchen is open for breakfast Monday – Saturday: Breakfast 7 – 9.30am, Lunch 12 – 3 pm and Dinner 6 – 9.30pm and on Sundays for a roast between 12 – 4pm.



Article by:

Sarah Starling

Sarah is a writer and blogger, as well as running workshops and teaching. Her passions are food and travel, and you can follow her on Instagram at YesStarling and find her website at www.yesstarling.com .