As we make the most of beautiful summer nights, is there a better way to spend an evening than at the West End institution that is Number 16?
By Penny Sharp
No matter how many times I visit, I am always blown away by the restaurant’s beautiful interior. With wooden finishings and the sort of warm welcome which is almost reminiscent of my very Scottish granny’s house, everything down to the smallest detail has been considered. I was delighted to find that everything from the plates to the salt and pepper pots is hand-made and embellished with a number 16, making this venue all the more special.
Welcome to No. 16
We were greeted by the lovely Emma, and in the spirit of making the most of the last of the Scottish summer, I ordered a glass of their Garnacha Rosada, a Spanish rosé from the Rioja region. It was stunning, with crisp notes of raspberry and a very refreshing finish. It went beautifully with their burrata and aubergine starter – what more could you ask for.
We went on to try a glass of their ‘Little Cricket’ Grüner Veltliner, which was an absolute triumph. With classic notes of white pepper and a hint of elderflower, it was unbelievably moreish and went perfectly with their spinach and ricotta ravioli. Truly, a match made in heaven.
We finished our evening with the absolutely delightful crowdie mousse, alongside a wonderful glass of their house red, the ‘Jimbro Origen Red’: a malvasia and Spanish indigenous varietal blend in the most wonderfully unique, almost cigar shaped, bottle. It is a gorgeous house choice, extremely easy to drink with stunning notes of red cherry and smoke. Overall, incredible value for money.
It’s no surprise that a venue as wonderful as Number 16 would have an incredible wine list, but I was impressed by the out-of-the-box thinking that came with it: there aren’t many venues that would have a Grüner by the glass, or the attention to detail of locally crafted crockery with a hand painted logo.
Number 16 is a testament to quality at every stage of the process, from the vibe as you enter to the exquisite service, you truly would be hard pressed to find a better dining experience enhanced with the perfect glass of wine.
