There is usually a narrative, that involves ambition, motivation, and inspiration, when a restaurant launches. Pilgrim’s back story is poetic (pilgrim souls), romantic and involves travel and adventure. Ultimately it is a celebration of regional Spanish cuisine.
Words: Jean Hill
Pilgrim – BBC2’s My Million Pound menu concept – is known for being a fine-dining restaurant. Pilgrim inhabits the mezzanine level of Duke Street Market, and it is beautifully conceived. Their Spanish and Iberian food is inspired by Camino de Santiago pilgrimages.
Their menu reflects the cuisine of the cities and towns that are found along the northern most route of the Camino de Santiago. The Camino del Norte starts in the town of Irun just outside the Basque city of San Sebastian and meanders along the north coast of Spain before turning inland at Ribadeo through the Galician hills to Santiago de Compostela.
Before you pack your bags and head off on the pilgrimage trail, visit Pilgrim and try their authentic Spanish cuisine.
We opted for the 3 small plates for £15 lunch offer (available between 12 noon and 3.30pm Wednesday to Friday). The menu changes on a regular basis, depending on seasonal fare. We opted for Spanish black pudding, which is finely ‘minced’ and has a slightly spicy, rich flavour, that is quite different from British black pudding. The coal-roasted courgette was a triumph, beautifully decorated with courgette flowers and wonderfully sharp, robust Manchego cheese. Coal-roasted Jersey Royals were outer crispy and inner tender, with distinctive flavour intact. The hake was fresh and flaky, and there was a ground, roasted pepper and spicy sauce that delivered a moderately hot hit. My last choice was a vegetable mix, and I loved it all including the wild fennel element.
We studied the dessert options, and could not resist Saint James tart. The pastry was soft and crumbly but the pickled cherries stole the show, with sweet cherry sauce. Simply as good as it sounds. There are large plate options at lunch and dinner, and epic roasts on a Sunday.
This is a beautiful, bright, light space, in a historic building. The staff are welcoming and really knowledgeable about the food, and there is a tranquil atmosphere. Works for us.
Tel. 0151 7092302
For more culinary inspiration, please pay a visit to our food & drink page.
