Hello All,

How are you? I hope you’re all well and enjoying the blustery weather in Derby. I invested in a winter coat yesterday (what else are long bank holiday weekends for than to indulge in a spot of retail therapy whilst work seems but a distant dream?).

It’s been a pretty awesome few days. I was lucky to check out the launch party of a new restaurant-bar in Derby (the foodie in me always gets excited at the news of a new eatery being opened), plus I had the long weekend to look forward to. What did you get up to?

close up drinks

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Brooklyn Social Bar nestled on Sadler Gate. Set over three floors and channelling Americana like you’ve never seen, this dive bar is authentically styled and serves the best Cherry Chapstick cocktails in town.

It was a packed launch evening and we were greeted with big smiles at the door – no mean feat considering it was icicle-freezing outdoors. The warm welcome was a taster of things to come as we found our way upstairs. The décor is inventive and the mishmash artwork has a hint of wonderfully organised chaos about it.

Brooklyn wall

It’s a generously sized building, yet it has that cosy, warmth that seems to emanate from the bricks themselves. We were served throughout the evening from a whole bunch of enthusiastic waiting staff who all seemed eager to help.

It did take a little extra time to get our first round of drinks (we had a twenty minute wait), but it was opening night and the waiting staff were apologetic and rushed off their feet, so it was all good.

chilli & brioche buns

The food is really, really good. I mean finger-lickin’ good. There was an offering of sliders, so that the privileged audience could get a taster of the menu without breaking out into meat sweats. There is a wide range of burgers, and of course, barbequed meat and the taste of sunshine was always going to feature on the menu for a restaurant slated for a summer opening.

chickjen

Sliders were served in candyfloss soft brioche buns which were a pleasure to sink my teeth into. The fillings varied; from lightly spiced chicken goujons with horseradish, to mini beef burgers with zingy ketchup. The giant onion rings were crisp on the outside and squidgy in the middle, whilst the glazed oven baked chicken hit all the right spots and guaranteed a place on my Top Five Favourite Chicken Dishes Ever.

 

 

The drinks menu is one of Brooklyn Social’s highlights, with cocktails expertly made and oh so moreish. I couldn’t get enough of the Cherry Chapstick (it was deliciously sweet with a heavy dose creamy cherry) and I strongly recommend you check it out.

Brooklyn menu plant

It’s a lovely space, has tonnes of potential and is perfect for a night out, or hanging out on a Sunday as you nurse your hangover from the night before. Prices were not available for the food at the time of this blog going to print, but rest assured it is worth it. Get down to the Brooklyn Social for a drink and bite to eat with a difference. You’ll love it there (and if you don’t, what in the heck is wrong with you?)! For more info, check out their Facebook page here.

Ciao for now,

RAxx