The Bistro at Blackburne House

Nestled in the basement of a beautiful Grade II-listed building in the Georgian Quarter, The Bistro at Blackburne House is open to the public for brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks, with a daily changing menu alongside the deli counter, and an outside terrace perfect for sunny days.

Part of the women’s organisation Blackburne House – a venue offering courses and qualifications, a wellness centre and nursery – The Bistro operates as a social enterprise, reinvesting profits back into the education of local women. benefitting customers and community alike. Using fresh, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, the menu is prepared by the chef team every day they’re open, meaning there’s something different each time you visit. Stalwarts are sandwiches, soups, salads and spuds, with specials varying. Vegetarians might be tempted by homemade hummus topped with harissa chickpeas served with flatbread or a slice of homemade aubergine parmigiana; pescatarians are catered for with the likes of teriyaki salmon with curried noodles or a salad Niçoise of Spanish bonito tuna with potatoes, fine green beans, olives and boquerones anchovies; meat-eaters could be treated to lamb kofte kebabs in a flatbread with tahini, salad and hot chilli sauce or chicken katsu or Malaysian coconut curry with steamed rice, bok choy and jalapeno pickled veg.

Check out the counter for the day’s dessert selection – you can expect anything from fruit crumble and custard to chocolate burgundy cake or carrot cake. Wines, including vegan offerings, come by the glass or bottle, and beers, ciders and spirits are also available.

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