There's a new(ish) kid in town; Glass Orchid opened their doors in Beeston this September and are proving hugely popular with tapas and cocktail enthusiasts. All traces of the previous Ottimo premises are nowhere to be found, and the new look is modern, moody, and sophisticated - much akin to many contemporary bars you may find yourself falling into when in Manchester...
We attended the soft launch, which was a blast, and allowed us to sample a few of the items on the menu ahead of its official opening (lucky us). The kitchen has a focus on world tapas, and you'll find the likes of chicken lollipops, sliced steak, beetroot cured salmon, and roasted pork belly. Not forgetting the homemade salty focaccia with a soft Sriracha butter that will make your tongue sing.
Personally, we were wild about 'Grandad's Sandwich' which has layers of stilton, marmalade, and brioche - similar to a bread & butter pudding - on a bed of rich romesco sauce. There's an interesting childhood story behind this dish too, where chef Mark’s grandad used to make stilton and marmalade sandwiches for him after school. This was the star of the show for us, so thank you Mark's grandad.
You're also spoiled for choice with sixteen unique cocktails carefully created to offer something you've never tried before, but the mixologists will whip up a classic too if that's what you're after.
From the dessert menu, we really loved the refreshing mango cheesecake with malted milk biscuit, which was more of a deconstructed cheesecake. The peanut butter and jelly doughnuts are perfect for those who crave sweet, sugary desserts and they also have the added fun of injecting the jelly into the doughnut with a mini syringe.
Unit 5 Beeston, The Sq, Nottingham NG9 2WJ
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