by Amy Glasgow
Epicures has had a makeover, and she’s graduated from colourful coffee bar, to being the cool older sister. She’s got a darker vibe that still feels warm and inviting, and a look that lends itself to the new elevated food and drink offering – not to mention the Easy Jazz Sundays evenings now taking place every week from 7.30pm.
While during the day, Epicures retains its status as an ideal spot for breakfast, brunch and coffee catch-ups, from 5pm the space becomes the perfect space for after work drinks and dinner.
The menu boasts a sophisticated menu featuring classic dishes with a modern twist. Think Prawn Cocktail with a spicy bloody mary dressing, ham hock terrine, or burrata with heritage tomato, glazed peach and herb oil.
On The Menu
I opted to begin my meal with a grilled scallop, served in the shell with a garlic butter and parmesan crust. At £5 per scallop, I was very pleased when the scallop that arrived at my table was generously sized and cooked to perfection, with a soft, slightly opaque centre.
The main dishes on offer are unique and varied, offering a great selection for different tastes, from classic Spaghetti Vongole, Beef or Veggie Burgers, Fishcake and even the Frech classic, Tartiflette – a dish made from potatoes cooked with caramelised onion and Reblochon cheese.
I decided to follow my scallop with their Steak Frites – a flat iron steak cooked to your preference (medium-rare for me), served with skinny fries and either peppercorn sauce or Cafe de Paris butter.
My steak was cooked to a spot-on medium-rare, and the chips were beautifully light and crisp. The Cafe de Paris butter was filled with the complex flavours of anchovy, garlic, lemon, mustard and fresh herbs. It was also accompanied by a salad of fresh rocket and pickled red onion, the zing and freshness of balanced out the richness of the butter.
If you are looking to save, Epicures also offers a daily set menu, which consists of two courses for £24.50 or three courses for £29.50. The dishes on the menu change regularly to ensure variety – I’d love to go back and try their Chicken Skewer with couscous, citrus & herb salad, chilli sauce and yoghurt dressing. That followed by Creme Brulee sounds like an ideal midweek dinner…
