I first visited this stylish brunch and tapas restaurant over the Christmas holiday, and was truly impressed by the quality of the cooking and the enthusiasm of the staff. So much so that we returned there for an extended family dinner just after Easter. Let me say up front that it's a fabulous addition to the Southside.
We booked out the restaurant for our get-together... it's limited to 24 or so covers but we were not crowded at all. We wanted a shared tapas meal, and the meal provided by chef/owner AJ and his team was just superb. We were in raptures over AJ's totally stunning home-made foccaccia bread for a start. But there were so many other highlights: panko cod nuggets were amazing; utterly sublime king prawns were succulent and plentiful; marinated pork tenderloin with AJ's own seasoning was delicious; garlic mushrooms in a creamy vegan sauce were a paradisal offering from a chef at the top of his game; and the cauliflower kiev bites were truly a star revelation that amazed and surprised. There was more: a yummy garlic and butter bean hummus, my own favourite padron peppers, wonderful maple roasted baby carrots...and more, a magnificent range of quite wonderful dishes. We loved it! And you'll have noted the full range of dietary preferences were easily covered.
There's a small but decent wine list too, that includes a star Cava... and all very reasonably priced. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, with a quality of service to match the incredible cooking. Thanks so much to AJ and his team for a fabulous night. Can't wait to return. Highly recommended, whether for...
Read moreWe had booked a table for 830pm as it was the only table available, no issue. However, when we arrived it was as if they wanted rid of us as quickly as possible. The food was lovely and we had been told if we wanted something else to just ask. 45 minutes after arriving and starting our food we had asked for some nachos, we were then told that there was no other savory food available. I feel like if you don't want to serve people that late, please don't accept a booking. I had requested a cocktail and the server didn't even ask whether my partner wanted a drink and I had to prompt the server, after ordering a dessert the plate was taken away almost before the spoon had left my partner's mouth!.
Food is delicious (apart from the hard shell tacos which seemed out a box, would have preffered soft shell but that may be personal preference). So much potential but felt a...
Read moreAfter a visit to Holmwood House, my husband and I stopped by The Old Fruit Shop, and what a hidden gem it turned out to be! By day it’s a charming little bakery and cafe, but on Friday and Saturday evenings they offer a small plates dinner menu that is nothing short of incredible. We tried a variety of dishes – sea bream, monkfish, haggis bonbons, maple-glazed carrots with kale and dukkah (absolutely divine!), and minced pork ragu ravioli. Every single plate was bursting with flavour and beautifully cooked. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, the staff attentive and friendly without ever feeling intrusive, and the wine list complemented the meal perfectly. It’s rare to find somewhere that combines such creativity with comfort and quality, but The Old Fruit Shop manages it effortlessly. Highly recommend for a special yet relaxed...
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