I recently got invited to try the Seven Bar & Restaurant over at Pride Park in Derby and I was very keen to try them out again after a mediocre experience last year.
I have always heard such brilliant things about this stylish yet cosy eatery and I had pretty high expectations for my second time dining there.
First, let me talk about the interior – it’s stunning! The tables are adorned with mini plants and candles creating a relaxing vibe which is perfect for date night. The pastel furniture pairs perfectly with the wooden walls and flooring with the odd splash of greenery or metal light shades.
So onto the most important part – the food and drink!
We were seated at a large table by the window after picking up our drinks at the bar to which I chose a Bakewell Tartini cocktail and Kane a refreshing pint of Peroni.
We were handed menus by our friendly waiter, James, and were advised he would be back in a few to note down our choices.
Wanting to sample a selection of their courses, we decided to share their Asian Sticky Beef Salad starter which sounded like a dream!
I love a good piece of beef and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this starter. I’m not usually keen on steak when it’s cooked medium but this was packed full of zing and plenty of flavour.
I didn’t expect the noodles to be so crispy despite them being described as ‘glass like’ but the change was very welcomed, they added a good crunch to the dish. I particularly enjoyed the helping of peanuts hidden throughout the salad which added a touch of saltiness to the tart dressing.
We polished this dish off pretty quickly and were ready to tuck into our mains!
I chose the dish I was bound to choose, the Grilled Asparagus and Curried Cauliflower Mac & Cheese served with crispy fries. Once I read the dish description, I knew I had to try it.
By this point we’d also ordered some more drinks – I had a Rasmopolitan and Kane a Peroni Red. The cocktail was a classic twist on a Cosmo with the added raspberry sweetness.
Kane chose a classic Fish & Chips dish served with mushy peas and tartare sauce – you can tell we like our comfort food.
My mac & cheese was gooey, oozy and soft, just like a mac & cheese should be. The asparagus and curried cauliflower took it up to the next level adding an extra warmth and just like James described ‘felt like a hug from the inside’.
The fries were piping hot, slightly salted and crispy which were a perfectly decent side; I could have happily had the pasta with no side as I could not finish it, no matter how hard I tried.
Kane’s fish melted in the mouth and the chunky chips were a dream when they were soaked in vinegar just like the chip shop. I also tried the homemade mushy peas which had a minty undertone… INCREDIBLE. I could eat a bowl full of this and be a happy lady.
After having our plates cleared, we of course asked for the dessert menus needing a sweet fix.
I chose the Cherry Frangipane with Toasted Almonds and Vanilla Creme Fraiche because, duh, cherries.
The buttery, warm sponge had a slight marzipan flavour while still being light and airy. I loved everything about this slice especially the fruity cherry layer and the thin pastry, I think it’s a match made in heaven with the subtly flavoured creme fraiche.
Kane had the Key Lime Pie which was a very easy on the eyes, the presentation on both this dish and the starter were very clean and symmetrical which pleased me more than I like to admit.
The pie was fresh, tart, yet very creamy which created a delightful mix in the mouth, especially when swiped through the blueberry compote. I love blueberries at the moment so I had to have a taste or two more of this sauce, it was lovely.
Once we had finally tucked away all three courses, we asked for our bill and completed a quick survey about the food, service and atmosphere. Honestly, this place has completely changed my mind and I would rank it pretty highly in my favourite eateries in Derby now.
The food is very flavourful and you can tell a lot of thought and love has gone in putting both the cocktail and food menu together.
I could have picked quite a few other dishes on the menu and I’m sure I would have been impressed.
Our waiter, James (I’m sure that was his name), was very attentive, chatty and had a spot on knowledge of both the food and drinks – definite thumbs up.
This place would be brill either for a date night, a family meal or even a business meeting as they cater to all occasions and tastes.
Why don’t you check Seven out on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter?
Thanks for reading!
*Some sort of incentive was provided in exchange for a review but my opinions, photos and words are all my own. I mean why would I make stuff up about damn, good food?
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