Bar + Block, Nottingham

AD – This meal was gifted in return for this review.

If you are a regular reader of Carpe Diem Emmie you'll know that I spend a lot of time in Nottingham for theatre reviews. With this in mind I'm always looking for places to eat before heading out and it's a scope that I really want to begin exploring with my blog. If you have any recommendations of places I should check out then let me know in the comments below. 

First up we checked out Bar + Block. This gorgeous restaurant has been open around a year and is situated on the Chapel Quarter in Nottingham's city centre. It's easy to locate and there's parking just down the road on Upper Parliament Street, perfect for heading to either Theatre Royal or Nottingham Playhouse within a 10 minute walk from both the parking and restaurant. We were instantly impressed by the relaxing atmosphere oozing from the walls within the venue. It was quite busy for a weeknight proving it's popularity for a drink after work or a nice dinner out. 

The steak provided by Bar + Block comes from South America and they are hand-butchered in house so that you can have whatever size suits you. 

Our server for the night was very prompt with organising our table and seeing to ordering our first drink as soon as possible. 

The main menu at Bar + Block is extensive with so much on offer, even with vegetarian dishes available. What's really good to note on their website is that the restaurant provides allergy and dietary info on it's menu for those who need important information ahead of their visit. 

For our starters we decided to share two dishes that we were really drawn to. I went for the Pulled Pork Tacos. These grilled, soft taco shells are filled with pulled beef, beans, bacon, smashed avocado, tomato salsa, cheddar cheese and coriander had lots of flavour. I loved the soft texture of the tacos aligned with the bold flavour from the pulled beef. I could have definitely consumed more of these during our visit alone! 

Jordan decided on the new Korean BBQ Pork Ribs as his starter. These mini pork riblets have meat which slides off the bone after it's been cooked to perfection over charcoal. The ribs are then tossed in a Korean style BBQ sauce and topped with coriander. The ribs had a slight kick to them that really made them particularly tasty! 

I didn't find it hard to decide on my main for my visit as I had already been eyeing up the menu before arriving, the Deconstructed Beef Wellington. Unlike a traditional beef wellington this one is 10z of sliced fillet served on layers of puff pastry and filled with garlic spinach and creamy truffle flavour mushrooms. This dish is served with a rich Malbec sauce. I loved watching the sauce drizzle down over the meet and pastry.  My mouth was salivating at the smell of this dish which was full of bold flavours, with the meat cooked brilliantly as a medium rare fillet steak making it incredibly tender. 

On the recommendation of the waiter Jordan tried the ribeye steak, now any place calling itself a steakhouse is always (or at least, SHOULD always) be able to cook a delicious steak, but Bar + Block managed to provide a cut that was able to surprise Jordan in how tender and delicious it was. He actually ended up eating half of the steak without the accompaniment of the pepper sauce just so he could enjoy it's full flavour. For the price you are certainly getting a great deal, you may be able to find a similar cut at a lower price but not with the same taste, it was thoroughly enjoyable. 

On the side of our dishes I decided to sample their Halloumi Fries. Although a simple side dish, it was very tasty to accompany the beef wellington. 

I'm surprised we had room for dessert, but there's always a way right?!

I couldn't resist trying out their new Rhubarb & Custard Sundae. This sundae contains rhubarb compote and custard sponge mixed in with vanilla ice cream, custard and cream. It was so damn tasty and if you enjoy a trifle then this sundae was exactly like that! It gave me so many fond memories of tucking into a trifle in the warm summer days, particularly the soft custard sponge and custard. I would definitely like to tuck into another one of these very soon please! 

Jordan wanted to try out one of their sundaes too so tucked into the enormous Chocolate Churros Sundae. This sundae contained churros coated in cinnamon sugar, served with vanilla ice cream, brownie chunks and cream. 

To view menus and book a table at Bar + Block, visit www.barandblock.co.uk.

DISCLAIMER: All food and drinks were complimentary courtesy of Bar + Block in return for a review of our experience. None of our experience and opinions are influenced by the restaurant and are all honest.