In an age when many pubs are permanently shutting their doors (independent pubs, that is – the chains seem to be ever expanding…), it’s good to see new and interesting places on the scene. Berkeley Square’s The Botanist, opening in April, will be a much-needed breath of fresh air in the Triangle area…
Living just off the Triangle and not really being a bar or club person, I tend to head further from home when meeting friends for a drink or a pub meal. Judging by what I’ve seen of The Botanist so far, this could all change fairly soon! Pictures on the website suggest that the venue is aiming for gastropub rather than traditional boozer, and the menu (click here for a PDF version) suggests the same, with two courses setting you back around £20-£25. There is, however, a midweek prix fixe menu of two courses for £12.50.
Food-wise, bar the pizza and pasta menus, The Botanist appears to be going for modern British. Expect the likes of duck rillette with rhubarb & ginger chutney or Aspall cyder mussels to start, and a mains menu including sea bass with Piedmont pepper and tempura fennel, and calves liver with a root vegetable dauphinoise.
The pub opens on Friday, April 8th…but if you head to the website and fill out their registration form, you can eat for free on one of their preview days. Simply choose whether you want to book in for complimentary menu tastings at lunch or dinner on Tuesday 5th or Wednesday 6th April, or for the opening night launch party on Thursday, April 7th. Probably best to register as soon as possible, as I’m sure demand will be great!