New Menu at The Alchemist
A recent visit to The Alchemist in Nottingham to sample the new menu was a pleasure from start to finish. I have lost count of how many times I have enjoyed food and drinks at The Alchemist over the years, as my love of theatre and experience combined is really showcased within these four walls…
The Alchemist do theatre exceptionally well and by that, I mean creating an interactive experience through their food and drink offerings, whether it be a bubbling, smoking, colour changing cocktail or a sauce pour at the table over piping hot food, they really know how to make a spectacle of their menu and leave diners with a lasting impression.
This visit allowed me to see what new items have recently been added to their already expansive menu and I was not disappointed with the array of choice, in particular because I am vegetarian and often struggle with options.
My dining partner decided to stay away from the alcohol on this particular day and opted for mocktails instead, which were by far an equally interesting choice, having just introduced a ‘Mindful’ range, containing natural botanicals which give the slight relaxed effects of alcohol without actually containing it. They also offer a No and Low range with several low alcohol options and so we went with the ‘Shade Switcher’, a colour changing mocktail containing apple, citrus, lemonade, a disco lollipop and colour changing magic and ‘The Antidote’ from the Mindful range.
Michael the General Manager, who by the way is one of the hardest working I know in the industry, greeted us and immediately offered us some snacks to start, recommending the Doughballs with Buffalo Butter- a favourite of his and these were like nothing I have ever tasted, given I am used to enjoying doughballs with standard garlic butter, this butter was very different in both flavour and colour and very morish – a great recommendation.
I really appreciate it when the server takes the time to chat and recommend dishes, this is by far one of the best ways a venue can differentiate themselves – it’s the people who run them and in a climate where hospitality is facing its biggest challenges, The Alchemist are credited with a great team who do just this.
As it was lunchtime, we decided on doing one course well and so I opted for the Katsu Curry with Crispy Tofu (also available with chicken) and my hope was that the sauce would be good as the Katsu sauce at Wagamama’s – it was just as good, if not better and the dish was filled with protein, which is always a bonus as a veggie.
My meat-eating dining partner went with the BBQ Pork Smoking Board, served on a signature hot smoking skillet, allowing you to build it fajita style- another nice interactive touch.
Instead of dessert, we decided to go for two Matcha’s- banana and a mint choc chip served with whipped cream- desserts in themselves and in our minds the healthier option!
In summary The Alchemist Nottingham delivers on food, service and experience and their new menu is one to be tried, so go try it.
The Sleepy Vegetarian
Check out the new menu here – https://thealchemistbars.com/venues/nottingham/king-street/
