Restaurant Reviews

  • Restaurant review: Carluccio’s, Intu, Derby

    *Original publication date November 2016* When you visit a restaurant with celebrity backing, do you think of the chef-backer? When I patronise a celebrity owned restaurant, I’ll be honest, images bubble in my mind like a simmering pot of minestrone, of the chef in question. Of course, I didn’t expect Antonio Carluccio to leap out from behind…

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  • Restaurant review: Robata Bar & Grill, Resorts World, Birmingham

    *Editor’s note: This eatery is now closed. This review remains online as part of our archive. Originally published November 2016.* What do you do when you know you’re going to be on your feet for the best part of the day at Birmingham’s NEC? 1. Wear comfy shoes. 2. Wear layers, so you can peel…

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  • Literary lunching at San Carlo Bottega, Selfridges Exchange Square, Manchester

    *Original publication date October 2016* As someone who wrote her dissertation on Shakespeare, the following news excites me greatly. A special Shakespeare inspired menu will be available for one week only (Monday 3rd to Sunday 9th October). Thank you to fellow foodie blogger, the gorgeous Sanj for the heads up. (You can read more about Sanj's…

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  • Cool craft beer Suds & Soda launches in Friar Gate, Derby

    *Original publication date October 2016* The renaissance of craft beer has seen a plethora of mainstream pubs and bars extending their offerings to artisan and specialist beers. I love a good beer (I am quite partial to Sharp’s Doom Bar), but I’ll be honest – my knowledge of craft beer sucks. I had to Google…

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  • Restaurant review: Manchester House, Spinningfields, Manchester

    *Editor’s note: This eatery is now closed. This review remains online as part of an archive. Original review date September 2016* What do you want to do when you grow up? What is your goal in life? Forgive me for sounding like a curious crusty counsellor from your secondary school questioning your life’s ambitions. One…

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  • Restaurant review: Artisan, Manchester

    *Editor’s note: This restaurant is now closed. This review remains online as part of an archive. Original review date September 2016* When I’m out reviewing restaurants, I like to be professional and look decent. On the day of the Artisan restaurant review, the Mancunian anthracite skies heavy with pregnant rain clouds were threatening to burst.…

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