Being an American I often struggle to find really great places to eat in the Midlands that also serve fantastic cocktails. Being a vegan doesn’t help my quest either as I am sure you can imagine. Getting a Shepard’s pie and a pint or a glass of wine no problem but a plate of tasty plant based food and a well mixed drink? That’s an art.
We saw this restaurant advertising on here, it sounded amazing (with good vegan options advertised) and decided to try it. A little off the beaten track for us but I had to go to Corby in Leicestershire anyway and then it was just another 8 miles in the car. A journey that took less than 15 minutes.
We didn’t have a reservation. That didn’t matter. We were greeted with warmth and shown to a lovely table in the window, the nicest table in place we thought. It was a beautiful day too, the sun steaming in the window and people watching outside as the locals went about their day. I felt like a tourist even though I’ve lived in the UK for quite some time.
We ordered cocktails they were delicious, clearly the bartender knows what he’s doing. The menu is small and not much choice for vegetarian or vegan but that didn’t matter, we were allowed to go rogue, the lovely waitress suggested a courgette dish with hassle back potatoes, we said we fancied pasta and you know what the most delicious spaghetti arabiata appeared plant based, not too spicy, packed with the best giordano olives I have honestly ever tasted, massive, meaty and definitely a reason to return. I have never tasted anything so good anywhere.
We even had a couple seated at the next table eyeing up our food when it arrived. And asking us what we had ordered. We told them it had been made specially for us. They were impressed the restaurant had made something special and contemplated ordering the same for themselves except they didn’t like spicy at all so opted in the end to stick to the menu, a burger and ceasar salad with chicken.
My friend not vegan opted for the same pasta with Parmesan cheese and loved it too. The plates went back to the kitchen licked clean.
The restaurant is located in a picturesque small town on a high street with 2 hour free parking outside which we were told does get very busy and the traffic wardens are extra vigilant on a Friday, market day. We were in and out in about an hour and half so all was good.
The restaurant also has a fantastic garden space out back which would be lovely for an evening cocktail or dinner now the nights are getting longer and warmer.
The bill wasn’t over the top either, with starters, mains and drinks for two £55 we left a £10 tip. It was worth it.
I would imagine meat and seafood eaters would love this relaxed but smart Mediterranean restaurant where the focus is on simple high quality ingredients transformed into really tasty food. Not the kind of place you find in small towns in the Midlands and well worth a visit.
It probably sounds a bit weird but we’ll be back for those Olives. Might even ask if we can take some home next time.
I’ve connected the ad I saw below so you can find out more about them.