Bon Anniversaire to Nottingham's Bistro Pierre

Bistro Pierre, one of Nottingham's best-loved restaurants, will be celebrating its 20 year anniversary on 27th July so I thought it was an appropriate time to shout about my recent visit to sample their mouth-watering summer menu and superb new-look premises which opened following a major refurbishment earlier this year. The grand looking former bank, set in the hustle and bustle of Milton Street, first opened its doors in 1994 and was proudly the first bistro of this now popular portfolio of 11 - soon to be 12 - restaurants. I visited on a buzzing Friday evening in the city, settling into a table for two on the first floor, and I lost myself in the atmosphere of being in provincial France within moments. The new menu left me spoilt for choice and I was tempted by home-cooked favourites such as Bœuf bourguignon and Porc Roti. In the mood for something ‘summery’, I opted for Salade de crabe to start, which was a delicious salad on lightly curried crab claw meat and Epaule d’agneau à la Marocaine for main, a slow-cooked shoulder of lamb with toasted pine nuts, pearl couscous, mint, harissa and dried apricots. A perfect marriage of Moroccan and French cuisine, I can’t recommend either of these dishes highly enough! Our attentive but not overbearing waiter made a great choice of red wine to accompany our meal - a compliment to General Manager Paul and his warm, welcoming team. I felt like I was in a classy establishment all night, somewhere you can feel comfortable going straight after work or putting on a dress and pair of heels for a dressy night out. I love the customer service qualities of a traditional restaurant. Moving onto dessert, I couldn’t resist the refreshment of a light cup of Posset - lemon and passion fruit flavour with almond crumble. Absolutely gorgeous, perfect after a spicy main course and a personal recommendation. So it’s safe to say I left feeling very full, content and keen to return with friends throughout the anniversary celebrations this summer and also to take advantage of the Rosé promotion which starts on 21st July and runs until 30th September. During this period you can collect vouchers to get a free bottle or carafe of St Jean Rosé. So Bonne Anniversaire Nottingham Bistro! We wish you many more happy years to come in our cosmopolitan city. Bistro Pierre can be found on 13-17 Milton Street. Call 0115 941 2850 to make a reservation.