Like a kid waking up on Christmas day, I leaped out of bed on Monday morning eager for the day to pass until a food filled evening at The Tippling House arrived on the opening night of Aberdeen Restaurant Week (ARW).
Belmont Street is the backdrop for many a day or night out in Aberdeen with bars lining its cobbles and linking streets. But below the bars, the subterranean tavern of the Tippling House resides with drinks expertise, flavoursome food and a serene escape from the nightlife noise.
A new menu for the Tippling House was launched back in October offering small plates and bar snacks perfect for accompanying the pioneering drinks menu that it has become known for. However, this week an exclusive three-course dinner menu makes an appearance that’s only available for during ARW; an opportunity not to be missed.
Accompanying me for the evening was fellow cheese and wine enthusiast, Anisha, bringing her appetite ready to taste the menu.
The food
We began our experience with the “Tot of the day”, an amuse-booze which changes each day of ARW. A zingy yellow measure was delivered to our table with citrus and aniseed scents, charging our taste buds ready to explore the tastes of the menu.
Following the amuse-booze was an actual amuse-bouche, a polish take on a steak tartare swapping beef for sea bass combined with gherkins, dhil and apple on top of fresh bread.
To start we both went for scallops, impressively presented cushion-like shellfish with caramelised tops sitting on a bed of leek and saffron creating a moreish eat.
Shortly after, the mains followed. Anisha went for the sea bass with dauphinoise and beetroot. The sea bass was beautifully cooked with perfectly crisp salted skin and well balanced with creamy dauphinoise that melted in the mouth. I opted for the pork which arrived with probably the best mash potato I’ve ever had (sorry mum) with tender pork, root vegetables and rich gravy making the dish both comforting and full of depth.
To finish off the night, I devoured the rhubarb tarte encased in a light pastry shell and soft meringue on top. Perfectly balanced with the right sweet to zingy ratio, this dessert didn’t even touch the sides. Anisha stayed true to her brand and went for the cheeseboard which was well stocked with cheese and completed with a warming winter chutney.
The vibe
Feel as though you’re following steps down through time to the 1920’s as you enter a scene of opulence with art deco interiors mixed with regal dark green, gold and a good measure of tweed. Smooth jazz music plays and dimmed lighting creates an atmospheric environment that mirrors a speakeasy feel.
Perfect for
The Tippling House is a perfect stop for casual weekday drinks or as part of a weekend group outing or special occasion. The ARW menu may only be available for this week only, but the existing light bites menu still remains to keep those hunger pains far away when working through the drinks menu.
Delve a little deeper into the origins of whisky, gin and wine through the Tasting Academy. A perfect opportunity to find your favourite tipple for your next return…
The Tippling House is your place for an experience that oozes grandeur within a casual setting. The knowledge of the team will blow you away, whether it be enjoying drinks paired to your food or having a cocktail made based on your favourite tastes, you’ll receive a first-class service to make you feel extra special.
You have five days left to tick the Tippling House off your ARW list. So, get booked in for your exclusive taste of the menu before it vanishes at the close of the week.
Attention to detail, stellar customer service and passion for fine-dining is evident at the Tippling house, making it a must visit location in the city this week and all year round.
The Food Hoover 