The Botanist, West Bridgford
There is a place that blends the old and the new. A place for horticulturists to document their latest discoveries. For brewers to formulate new concoctions and of travellers to quench their thirst… A pleasant and perfectly descriptive introduction to brand newly opened nature inspired restaurant The Botanist in West Bridgford…
This place has had a major overall and both the interior and exterior decor is pretty breathtaking. A cosy array of garden and outdoor themed memorabilia don the walls along with quirky slogan plaques and wood..lots of wood everywhere.
The menu is made up of simple British cuisine made well and served imaginatively in and on themed platforms such as slate, wooden boards, watering cans and garden trowels (as you do).
The cocktail menu is a delight to read through and excites with its abundance of choice and flavours – another separate visit for these I think.
A glass of wine to start and a browse at the menu, my eyes were immediately drawn to the nibbles section offering Salt & pepper onion petals with crème fraiche – I simply had to sample these, which were an ample portion with perhaps no need for a starter for some, so we shared to leave room. My starter of Creamy truffle mushrooms served in a crusty roll (or cob as we say in good old Nottingham) was a delight, though again a rather generous portion (I say this like it is a bad thing!) and so I would consider a lighter main course in this case.
For main course I had to go for the famous Hanging kebab and being vegetarian mine came with halloumi and sesame falafel sopped with sweet chilli and ginger and garlic butter that was poured at the table – a nice touch. It would normally come with couscous however I swapped this for mash potato which wasn’t a problem.
My dining partner who enjoys eating meat opted for the Cumberland & pork chipolatas with honey grain mustard and for main chicken in a box sopped with sweet chilli and ginger and garlic butter, served with ‘properly’ seasonal chips (yes that is how it is worded on the menu).
We were too full for desert and so instead I treated myself to my very first hot chocolate of the season, which came in a mug with whipped cream and mini marshmallows… oh and a shot of Baileys for good measure.
Everything really is a treat to the eye at The Botanist due to the creative theming and cosy interior, plus the food isn’t half bad either.
Fiona Duncan- Steer, RSViP & The Sleepy Vegetarian