Having now been to two not wholly successful pop-ups in which location took precedence over the food, I vowed I would stick to proper restaurants from now on where the chef is not feeding 50 on a Baby Belling or indeed in one case, with no kitchen at all
But I’ve just heard of a brand new pop-up at The Maven, the coolest cocktail bar in Leeds, that I feel confident about recommending. I’ve promised not to reveal the name of the chef, that’s a secret on the night, but if you book a table you won’t be disappointed.
You know about The Maven of course, the bar with no name mixing fabulous cocktails and run by ex-Harvey Nichols bar manager Nino and his team of cool dudes. So cocktails, music and a six course tasting menu in the private dining room is shaping up as a terrific mix.
The first in a series of dinners will be on 3rd May. It’s priced at £26 with groups no bigger than four. For booking details go to Facebook/Twitter @themavenbar.
Having been dubious about pop-ups I have to confess to supporting one in our favourite seaside spot of Staithes. In a village that once had a top rated Good Food Guide restaurant in the Endeavour and now has pub grub and a tiny bistro, we couldn’t resist linking up with the lovely Lisa Chapman, ex-Endeavour owner/chef, in helping to run a series of convivial dinners in the splendid room above the Staithes Gallery.
Lisa and gallery owner Alison Milnes now have a programme running through spring and summer, (not with Squidbeak this time). The next one is this Friday 26th April with a beautiful spring menu that has crab, pigeon breast, lamb with wild garlic and primrose and champagne jelly. Sounds good? The price of £39.50 includes a drink on arrival and wine with the meal. To book 01947 841840 or 07972 012464.