*PR invite*
Bistrot Pierre Derby is one of the prettiest restaurants in Derby. It’s a right little sun-trap too, one which I couldn’t wait to skip to, whilst out reviewing the latest eponymously titled Menu Pierre.
I have dined at Bistrot Pierre a number of times and find it an easy place to be. There’s no set dress code, so you can dress up, or go casual, although most diners I have seen, appear to go for the smart-casual, or dressy look.
I wore a frock for our Sunday lunch with a twist, and the sun was shining, so I felt extra cute (a shining sun and the anticipation of a new menu does that to me).
Menu Pierre is a versatile offering showcasing 12 dishes, evenly split under entrées (starters) plats (mains) and desserts. That feeling when you’re already planning a second visit is a sign of the covetable, strong nature of the dishes.
After being seated by a window, my visit on Sunday had me ordering calamari to start. This pretty dish arrived with a flourish on our sun dappled table.
Yes, I do have photos without shadows. However I wanted you to see how pretty the sun looks, as it casts an adoring gaze (much like I did) over the plate of lightly spiced seafood.
We were sitting by the window, a perfect spot for people-watching, which also happens to be one of my favourite pastimes (like Shakespeare, not Stalker Joe from Netflix’s You). I hungrily swiped whole chunks of calamari through aioli and loved the whisper of paprika on the swallow.
Dining partner had smoked salmon from the main menu, which consisted of poached fish in a crème fraîche hug. Perfectly seasoned, this was another good starter made all the more refreshing with piquant capers and red onions tickled pink in pickling liquor.
I totally dig Diane sauce – call it the Pedro Pascal of sauces – because you simply can’t hate it due to its lovable nature and downright deliciousness. Bistrot Pierre’s Diane didn’t disappoint.
I loved the discernible sliced mushrooms, and that barely-there tang of Worcestershire sauce, tempered with cream. Even the French beans were cooked to perfection.
Cooking vegetables can be a fine art, because 30 seconds over the cooking time and you’re looking at sad vegetables that look like they’re about to go to a funeral dressed in depressing grey garb. Accompanying Dauphinoise was hearty and I especially liked the whisper of garlic in the background.
Dining partner loved his steak frites (£1 supplement). It was a generous chunk of meat taking up half the plate, served pink, with pommes frites and peppercorn sauce.
I snaffled a few fries and they were very good, even more so when dunked into peppercorn sauce. I am thinking next time I’m going to order a side of fries, because they were light, crisp and let’s face it, life is infinitely better with fries.
Sticky toffee pudding served with barely melted ice cream was a joy to scarf. Light sponge that yielded with the tiniest of fork prods, in an indulgent butterscotch noted sauce was the stuff of dreams.
If you want to go all out for Easter and fancy a chocolate forward dessert, then the chocolate brownie, from the specials, is one for you. Dense and delivering a deep, dark chocolate hit, the accompanying salted caramel ice cream was the perfect partner to take this dramatic dessert to the next level.
This sweet treat should be a staple in anyone’s freezer, you know, for chocolate emergencies, or when you get good news that you just need to celebrate with a chocolate.
The cooking at Bistrot Pierre is accomplished and the dining experience is sublime. Front of House Eryk and team were attentive thoughtful and chirpy cherubs.
If you go to check out the menu, I hope the sun is shining and that you get to enjoy the beautiful venue too. I will be returning, and that pretty darn quick, because I have my eye on multiple dishes to scarf (um, hello, divine dessert of Paris-Brest alert).
Menu Pierre consists of £19.95 for two courses plus a drink. If you need three courses to sate your appetite, three courses cost £22.95, again with a drink.
Drink options are good for those with varying palates. You can sip a glass of signature Cuvée 22 wine if you’re feeling la-dee-da, dive into a pint of Bière 94 or enjoy a soft drink if you’re part of the NoLo brigade.
Menu Pierre is available all day Sunday to Friday, and Saturdays until 5pm. There are also other menus to suit varying moods and palates, from lunchtime specials to Soiree Gastro.
Rating
Food: 9/ 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Ambience: 10 / 10
Service: 10 / 10
Restaurant name: Bistrot Pierre Derby
Address: 18 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1BX
Tel: 01332 370470
Website + social: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Reserve: Online
Caters for allergies: Yes
Wheelchair friendly: Yes
Quieter table: 12
Dress code: There is no official dress code, however every single time I’ve been, which is a fair few times, people seem to make the effort to look nice.
How to get there: You can’t get more central than Friar Gate which is at the other end of Derbion
Open: Since 1994
Covers: Circa 145 (50 upstairs, 85 downstairs)
Head Chef: Kylie
Front of House: Eryk
Whilst in the area: As it’s Easter week, the cinema is packed with kid-friendly showings. I loved the latest animated feature from Warner Bros, Mummies, showing at Derby QUAD till April 13.