Leicester has a new opening and it’s fabulous. Let me introduce you to the stylish new bar and restaurant, Black Iron Social. It is located on Market Street, at the old Fenwicks building.

Some of you may know Black Iron from Winstanley House, well this is a branch of that restaurant but with a twist.

It is the perfect spot for casual lunch, after work cocktails, fancy dinner or just somewhere to work for a few hours (this is me hoping I will get there one day to work).

I have been about three times in the past week and enjoyed the ambience, food and cocktails. The greenery hanging from the ceiling and warm lighting make it really pretty and as they say “Instagram friendly”. The striking bar as you enter is a great feature too at Black Iron Social.

The staff are all friendly at the venue. Orla looked after us and was upbeat and helpful. Some staff are still training and hopefully, service will be consistent soon.

Food

They serve breakfast, lunch & dinner and have something for everyone on their menus.

I have tried food from their Bar Food and Lunch menu. Lunch is £22 for three courses – such a bargain! The lunch menu is small however there is something for everyone. If you don’t fancy anything from there, the bar food menu is available too for small plates. The food portions are good.

Here are some of the dishes we have tried during my visits:

STARTERS

• Shaved Kohlrabi: The Kohlrabi was dressed well and the dish came with shavings of Lincolnshire Poacher cheese and Brassica
• Garlic & Thyme Scallops: Three perfectly cooked scallops were served with nori butter sauce and samphire.  The thyme flavour wasn’t that strong but that worked fine for me because the other ingredients brought out a lovely taste and texture. 
• Bubble and Squeak Croquettes: Though it didn’t look appetising it was so delicious. The bacon croquettes were packed with flavour. Wasn’t too keen on the mushroom ketchup that came with it and to be honest I don’t think it needed it. A great portion for a small plate too.

MAINS

• Herb Crusted Hake: A big chunk of perfectly cooked hake was served on creamy clam chowder. The chowder was slightly on the salty side but I didn’t mind that. It was flavoursome and great portion size. 
• Miso Glazed Aubergine: This was a Vegan dish and my friend enjoyed it alongside the Kimchi and Courgettes it came with.
• Slow Roasted Pork Belly: Beautiful layers of juicy pork with a lovely crispy top, This pork belly was yummy and went with the light fennel salad and apple jelly. 
• The Social Club Steak: This was served pink as requested and came on with perfectly cooked skin on Fries & dressed house salad. Kev had his steak with Stilton sauce which was nice but more on the runny side. The steak was delicious and bargain to be on the lunch menu. 

DESSERT

• Vanilla Soaked Brioche: A toasted slice of brioche came on a plate with some zesty crème fraiche and raspberry coulis. The syrup infused the brioche beautifully. It was not warm like I expected it to be but was still delicious. 

Drinks

When there is a cocktail menu, Neha has to have one or two. Here are a couple of cocktails I have enjoyed at Black Iron Social.

• Baby Blush:  The perfect topper for a beautiful fruity cocktail. It was so nice and easy to sip on too. 
• Salted Caramel Espresso Martini: This pick me up was just so good! I have had this on two separate occasions because it was too hard to resist

Black Iron Social is located at The Gresham, the new luxury Aparthotel right in the city centre. They have not long opened and are constantly taking feedback and improving so go and give them a try!

More details can be found here on their Instagram Page.

Neha
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Disclaimer [AD]: This was an invite/gift. All views, opinions and photos are my own unless otherwise stated.