Hello,
As threatened, I’m continuing to blog this year. I didn’t want it to merely be my unhinged ramblings, so I’ve decided to do a monthly post that highlights the cultural stuff going on here in the East Mids. Bit of theatre, food, comedy, art, decent dog walks (yes, that is culture). There may be a slight bias towards Leicester, but I’ll improve on that as the year goes on. Oh! And do let me know if you have stuff going on etcetera that I can come to as I am both nosey and supportive. You can sign up if you fancy me clogging up your inbox on a monthly basis, and I hope you enjoy my recommendations below. Ben x
Restaurant 263 - Leicester
When it comes to fine dining, Leicester (perhaps unfairly) has often been labelled a graveyard of ambition. But chef Keith Sadomba’s Restaurant 263 was awarded its second AA Rosette last year, so on New Year’s Eve I tottered off to try their 8-course tasting menu, which aims to champion seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. But is it any good?
Amuse-bouches all impressed, including a delicate whipped goats cheese savoury yeast tartlet. Subsequent highlights included beautifully presented venison with Jerusalem artichoke, a nutty cauliflower & truffle tortellini with a moreish champagne sauce, and an intensely cheesy brie bon bon with a punchy butternut espuma (Spanish, for foam). The night’s crowd pleaser was the pork belly with wild garlic capers - I think people would’ve licked the plate clean if it had been socially acceptable.
If I was picking pube hairs, the dessert left me underwhelmed. It was a sugar tuile, served with white chocolate and a meadowsweet custard (I had to Google what meadowsweet was and it’s essentially a plant that grows in damp - yum.) Far too savoury and a little bland, I prefer the ending of my meal to smack me around the chops. Overall, we had a jolly time with friendly, attentive service and you could sense the pride the chefs took in the food as they talked you passionately through each course.
The menu changes monthly, and vegetarian/vegan options are available. The tasting menu is £60 (I didn’t go for the spenny wine pairings) but they also have a 3-course and a pre-theatre option.
All in all, nice if you fancy a treat.
Calverton Pit Circular - Notts
This was a gorgeous circular walk, perfect for a winter’s day. The dog was chuffed as she was pretty much off lead the entire way, and if you are into your birds I am pleased to report that you stand a pretty good chance of spotting sparrow-hawks and kites in the area. The trail I picked was 6km long, but there are plenty of other options if you fancy something shorter.
Best of all, and in a move that would please my Granddad no end, there is free parking at the start of the trail.
Bond, Brass, Budgies & Butternut Squash
@ Derby Theatre
Perfect to listen to on the commute, or indeed a dog walk, this is a lovely collection of four audio stories, recorded by local actors, that tell of the ways in which our people, places and culture have been shaped by, and stand up to, social and economic forces.
“Midlands-based playwright Andy Barrett has been out and about in towns and villages across Derbyshire, meeting brass band members, budgie enthusiasts, dance teachers, cinema usherettes and those who work tirelessly to nurture the idea of community.” Sweet and nostalgic.
Open: The People’s Exhibition - Leicester
Credit: Beth Walsh Photography
In this annual exhibition, Leicester Museum & Art Gallery gives East Midlands residents from any background and ability an opportunity to enter their artwork for display. It features over 200+ artists and makers, with the majority of artworks also being for sale. The Open Exhibition accepts artwork from adults, children and young people, making for a truly original and exciting show. From paintings, to sculpture, textiles, and more - it’s an exhibition that celebrates the diverse creativity of the region.
In case you haven’t got the hint, I really recommend it - and it is only on until Friday 31st January. Boasting free entry(!) this is truly a fantastic celebration of the abundance of creative talent in Leicester and the East Midlands.
Until next month, take care. x