An Evening at Bramley’s
Bramley’s Brasserie located within the stylish and sustainable Orchard Hotel, Nottingham has got to be one of the city’s most hidden gems. Having recently undergone a million plus refurbishment, the hotel foyer is both stylish with a cosy home from home feel. The reception area has been revamped and moved closer to the main entrance and the new fully stocked bar has the ultimate wow factor, which has to be seen to be fully appreciated.
Bramley’s restaurant located on the ground floor of the hotel, adjacent to the new bar area has also undergone a wonderful facelift and what’s more its kitchen now houses former chef of World Service David Cartwright.
This is where my recent mind blowing culinary experience began at Bramley’s, as I was invited to their exclusive private dining evening.
Six courses with wine pairings were served to fifteen of us around the table by the fantastic team Matt, Nigel, Harriett and Olivia (who was very knowledgeable about the wines).
Before I delve into the dishes we so enjoyed, I will say that the set up of the table, although in the open space of the restaurant and not necessarily private, had a very intimate feel and was decorated very professionally, which gave me an idea of how I cold utilise this very space for my own use, whether it be a celebratory dinner with friends or a way of entertaining clients. It was difficult not to visualise how the space could be used for our own use and indeed many others around the table had the same sentiments.
As a vegetarian I was given my own specially created menu and versions of everything, with slightly different wine options to complement each of my dishes- something I was very impressed and grateful for.
Vegetarian 6 course menu
STARTER
Curried sweet potato soup served with Onion bhaji, curry oil & chives
Soleil Des Alpes, Provence, France (one of my favourite rose’s)
Whipped Goats Cheese- Burnet heritage tomato with basil Granata
Perfect cut Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand
MAIN COURSE
Pea & mint tortellini with tenderstem, spinach, truffle pearls, hazelnuts & parmesan
Orchard Salad- Cucumber, cherry tomatoes & pickled red onion
Pinot Grigio, Amori, Italy
DESSERT
Chocolate Delice – Caramel miso & popcorn ice cream
CHEESE COURSE
Cheese on toast with a twist (!)
Blue cheese on toast, brioche, honeycomb roast yeast & quiche
TEA/COFFEE TO FINISH
200 Degrees coffee with homemade petit four truffles
The prettiest of bread accompanied some of the dishes, which arrived featuring edible flowers, as well as delicious garlic butter and harissa paste.
I love a tasting menu, as it gives the chef much more flexibility to get creative and creative chef got with this menu- from the cheese on toast with a twist, using blue cheese, which was a first for me in this way, to his use of honeycomb and the delightful sweetness of the dessert, with so many things going on, on the plate it wasn’t just a meal it was an experience, which I didn’t want to end!
I did however reach the end and to my surprise managed to clear my plates, however a peppermint tea was in order following six courses and wine!
The night ended with a final drink and natter in the bar before bed, to which most retired to their hotel room on site including myself. The rooms of which are always so well kept and inspiring, in keeping with their sustainable policies from their recycled wooden door key cards, right through to the toiletries provided in the bathroom.
Breakfast the next morning was a whistle stop for me, as I had a meeting to head to, so I filled up on fresh juice, fruit and small cooked breakfast before heading to my car to start my day.
I cannot recommend The Orchard Hotel and Bramleys restaurant enough and will most certainly be returning with friends and suggest you do too.
The Sleepy Vegetarian aka Fiona Duncan- Steer
Click here for their website and menus- https://www.bramleys-notts.co.uk/
