I have to admit that although I call myself a ‘Midlands foodie’ I really don’t have too much on the blog on where to eat in Derby. That’s quite bad for saying that I worked in Castle Donington for almost 6 years and have some good friends from that neck of the woods.
Anyway, time to rectify that, starting with my visit to newly opened Seven near Pride Park. I ate there earlier this week with my Mum. For those of you who read my blog, you’ll know that self-titled Mummy Bites likes to get involved in what I do and she was really looking forward to stepping into the hubby’s shoes for an evening of reviewing.
To finish, we shared the treacle tart (with crème fraiche sorbet and pickled cherries) and the classic english cheeseboard. We were particularly impressed with the cheeseboard which had two local cheeses on it – colston basset stilton and lincolnshire poacher as well as a deliciously creamy, smoked applewood, and a somerset brie. The oatcakes are baked in house and went down a treat! Firstly, I have to say how lovely the restaurants interior is. Decorated in creams and greens with soft lighting, low hanging lamps and fresh herbs on every table, Seven is very contemporary and exudes an air of calm and contentment. We noted that even though the place was three quarters full, it felt intimate and very chilled.
The menu had lots of usual gastro-pub dishes on it like steak and chips and the classic burger plus some slightly more adventurous things such as pan fried derbyshire calves liver, a savoury baked cheesecake and ‘Cullen Skink’ soup.
To start, Mummy Bites went for cornish crab and smoked salmon which came with pink grapefruit, dill crème fraiche and melba toast. I went for the seared local pigeon breast with peas, bacon, baby gem and a raspberry vinaigrette. The pigeon was really good, two pieces with crispy bacon and the tart vinaigrette which cut through beautifully. Sadly, the crab starter wasn’t quite as nice as the dressed crab meat was quite gritty with shell. We told the waitress and she handled it brilliantly, apologising and letting the chef know (who also apologised). We felt completely satisfied with the way the situation was handled.
For mains, it’ll come as no surprise that I had the slow braised pork belly with creamed cabbage, a pork faggot, rosemary potatoes and braising jus. Mum went for pan fried derbyshire calves liver which came with red cabbage, bacon and leek squeak, baby carrots and an orange and juniper jus. The liver was cooked well and matched the red cabbage perfectly (a classic combo which can’t be beaten) although we felt that the leek squeak, whilst excellently named, needed a little more leek.The little pork faggot was a lovely touch to my dish and full of flavour. The cabbage and little rosemary roasties were great too.
All in all, we were really impressed with Seven and enjoyed our evening. The service was good with a special shout out to our waitress. Her passion shone through her words and her knowledge of the menu was excellent. She recommended the donuts so maybe we’ll go for those next time! Don’t be put off by its location on a newly built park next to Pride Park. You’ll find freshly cooked and often locally sourced food which is miles better than anything from Seven’s neighbours Chiquitos and Harvester!
If you fancy taking your own Mummy Bites to Seven, they’ve got a special mothers day menu on 30 March which is priced at £18.95 for 2 courses or £21.95 for 3 courses. Why not give it a go?
*We didn’t pay for our meal at Seven but my opinions are all my own.
Looks lovely there Alex and a good review, that pigeon looks gorgeous.
Thanks Adam, yes the pigeon was great – local too which is always a good sign!