Steampunk infused with botanical magic
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Do you ever read those advertising magazines that are spread across the desk in your hotel room? I have to confess – Sometimes, maybe, but usually I just brush them aside to make room for all of the travel books, casual books, magazines, and electronics that I brought with me. It is not like I just push it all onto the floor – I neatly clean off the paraphernalia that is “littering” the top of the desk so I can organize what I brought with me and see where all the outlets (or lack thereof) are located. At some point during the trip I may eventually take a quick flip through one of their magazines. I know, probably not the best habit for a travel writer, but I am working on changing that.
Read the magazine
On a recent excursion to Chester, England I actually took a moment to stop and flip through that colorful magazine before I swept it off to the side – scanning headlines, reading the occasional recipe, reviews of the seasonal spirits, or the most noteworthy up-and-coming restaurants.
One brief headline caught my eye, The Botanist – an eclectic dining experience steeped in charm and style. There are so many ‘wine bars’ and ‘brewers’ that this caught my eye. The name was just enough to give a little intrigue and interest without giving away what it was all about. It was so steampunkish!
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I was not disappointed! The atmosphere was easy, casual and laid-back. When I walked through the lobby I got the feeling that I had stepped back in time and had reemerged in a garden sanctuary. The interior was decorated with wood-accents that had a weathered-gray finish to them. There were botanical pictures on the walls that identified the different parts of flowers along with garden yard tools. Hanging from the ceiling was a magnificent display of steampunk art in the form of a three-wheeled bicycle that had glider-style wings attached to the sides and an umbrella secured in the center in a vertical position with a whirligig propeller on top of it. The bicycle also was equipped with a motor. The exterior of the restaurant was decorated in wrought iron panels with vines growing over them.
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The bar area was quite impressive with an expansive front bar that had ample room for the botanical mix-masters to work their magic with herbal infused liquor and spirits. The back bar consisted of a massive shelving system that contained a sizeable assortment of liqueurs infused with berries, herbs, and fruits in addition to a fabulous selection of craft beers and ales. The bartenders were dressed in the steampunk fashion of simple neutral colored clothes and suspenders on their pants.
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Botanical treat for your palette
Their menu is a beautiful and tasty selection of dishes inspired from delis and comfort food from grandma’s English kitchen. Note worthy menu items that had a unique table presentation was the Hanging kebab – a very savory dish available in chicken, lamb kofta, prawn or beef and slathered with a sweet chili and ginger sauce. The Chicken Liver and Rum Pate that is brought to your table in a mini terracotta flower-pot on a wooden plank with Turkish flat bread and a plum and apple chutney that is served in a mini wheelbarrow.
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Other favorites include the homemade Scotch Egg (fried to perfection so that the breading is crispy on the outside but the boiled egg still had a soft center). The Salt and Pepper Onion Petals served with a herb sour cream sauce was a perfect complement.
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My 2-cents
The food was delicious, flavorful, and wholesome infused with fresh herbs! The decor and theme was fun with the steampunk twist. What a great find tucked in a narrow little side street off Eastgate St. and Northgate St. The Botanist is a great place for lunch, dinner, or a place to meet friends in the evening for cocktails and to listen to live music.
For more information on locations, hours and menu items check out their website at http://thebotanist.uk.com/
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That looks amazing! Thanks
Thank you!! It was! Totally amazing! I love finding new and unique places and things to eat!