MONTPELLIER opens on Saturday 10 August in that desert of bars called the Northern Quarter. It's about time they developed a proper bar culture up there don't you think?
The venue is over two floors with a basement TV lounge, to quote, 'for watching the football in peace'.
The new place will be one of the most hidden away of all the boozing and grazing venues. The location is Back Turner Street. If you walk from Solita down the tiny ginnel called Kelvin Street to Thomas Restaurant, you'll cross Back Turner Street and pass by Montpellier.
One of the partners of the new operation is the well-known John Locke familiar in this city from his time at the Comedy Store and The Northern. He presently runs successful food and drink operations in his native Chester but marks a return to the city with Montpellier.
The venue is over two floors with a basement TV lounge, to quote, 'for watching the football in peace'. There's also a room for small live events and gatherings. There are booths of course. Locke and the other folk behind the venture seem pleased that they've got the design right tpo make a splash in the Northern Quarter.
All smiles at the soft launch last week
The menu is French inspired with a glance over at the Med as well. The wine list has been 'selected with love and care' but you can also simply pop in for a coffee.
Some menu items include: chicken and chorizo stew in a tomato and wine reduction with crusty bread and basil Provençale, 'The Montpellier' a steak roll served on artisan bread with a choice of spicy homemade tomato sauce or herby tomato sauce or creamy mushroom sauce.
Sharing boards include 'The Mont Blanc' board with slices of homemade tortilla cake and pate served alongside crusty ciabatta, mixed olives, and two of our artisan cheeses with a selection of 'house accompaniments'. There is much talk of 'artisan' across the menu - the food buzzword of the moment. Thank God the 'with a twist' thing is dying.
Confidential wishes the place luck and will be in to review shortly.
Dressed as artisans.
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Neat interior
