Formerly specialising in afternoon tea, cake and mismatched china, The Walk came under new management last September and now boasts a dinner menu and extended opening hours (until 10pm, Fridays and Saturdays). These are not the only changes - on arrival, we noticed that the enormous model cake that dominated the front window for years has been removed. My friend was disappointed, but I never liked that cake. It reminded me of Miss Haversham’s wedding cake - I suspected it might harbour mice...
Once inside, we noticed there was more than a dash of shabby chic alongside the stylish but minimal décor, with retro artwork and mismatching chairs and tables retaining an impression of laid-back individuality. We were quickly installed by the friendly waiter at a candlelit table, with a glass of Prosecco each (£4.50 per glass), and a bowl of organic Moroccan oregano olives (£2.90). The low lighting made reading the menu a slightly tricky task, but we appreciated the music of Gil Scott-Heron, played at a level aimed to encourage rather than defeat conversation.
My friend opted for the steak burger and triple cooked chips topped with cheddar, salad, mayo and ketchup (£8.50). The meat served at The Walk is sourced from local butchers Price and Fretwell, and the fish is UK-caught, seasonal and sustainable. This was one motivation for me to select the ‘famous’ fish and chips (£8.90). After some deliberation - there’s a choice of cod, hake or haddock - I went for the latter, fried in beer batter and served with triple-cooked chips and mushy peas. Arriving on a black slate accompanied by a pot of homemade tartar sauce, the fish was a fluffy, fresh, melt-in-the-mouth delight. My companion’s burger was also top quality, although we felt the accompanying chips could have been crispier, but the portions were large, tasty, and beautifully presented.
Tucked away down Bridlesmith Walk and being a bit difficult to find makes this lovely little café feel like Nottingham’s best-kept culinary secret, and is a perfect place to catch up with friends and chat all evening, or even book out for private functions. The café still provides an enticing day-time refuge from the hurly-burly of Fletcher Gate and Bridlesmith Gate, with a range of cake, sandwiches, light bites and an extensive drinks menu to enjoy inside or on the terrace - but now has the addition of a Specials Board and a ‘From The Stove’ range of hot dishes, including risotto of the day and a vegetarian bello burger (£7.50). With good value, ethically-sourced food and a welcoming vibe, this place has definitely taken a step in the right direction.
12 Bridlesmith Walk, Nottingham NG1 2GR. Tel: 0115 9477574
The Walk website
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