Latest Restaurant Review (The Apothecary – Stafford)
The Apothecary is a relatively new venue in the centre of Stafford which opened in December last year. A full refurbishment was undertaken transforming the former Post House into a very modern restaurant and cocktail bar.
The Apothecary is a very large building which includes many different dining areas, a main bar area, a cocktail bar and even a nightclub. There are private rooms which are perfect for hosting your own private parties to celebrate those special occasions, including weddings. The interior of the building is extremely impressive and will wow you as soon as you walk through the door. There is a stunning staircase that leads up to the cocktail bar area with huge chandeliers and lots of comfy seating areas.
We were shown through to our table and given a menu and wine list. We ordered a bottle of Sauvignon which arrived while we were still deciding on our food choices.
For starters I chose the Panko Breaded Brie Bites with cranberry jam and Nik selected the Pan Fried King Scallops with wilted spinach and bacon lardons, garlic and white wine cream sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese.
My Brie bites had a nice crunch on the outside with lovely soft melted Brie in the middle and the cranberry jam was delicious. Nik said his scallops were perfectly cooked and thoroughly enjoyed his starter.
There was a great range of mains to choose from and Nik eventually decided on the Oven Baked Gnocchi in a rich tomato and oregano ragu, Parmesan crust and garlic flatbread fingers; I decided on the Beer Battered Cod with fat chips, mushy peas and proper tartar sauce.
Nik is quite a fan of Gnocchi and was very pleased with his dish he managed to mop up every last bit with his flatbread fingers.
We just about had room to squeeze in a dessert and I ordered the The Jam Jar Sundae and Nik went for the Warm Chocolate Brownie with chocolate sauce, popping candy and vanilla pod ice cream.
The Jam Jar Sundaes come in a choice of Chocolate, Strawberry or toffee, I had chosen the chocolate and it did taste as good as looks!
Nik’s chocolate brownie was soon devoured, he said it was a great finish to his meal.
We thought it would be rude not to go upstairs after our meal and sample a cocktail or two and with 2-4-1 offers it was great value too. Please note that the cocktail bar is only open on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm.
Food is served all day from midday until 9:30pm everyday. Special fixed price lunch is available until 5pm (Monday to Friday) with 2 courses for £11.95 or 3 courses for £14.95. The ‘Flat-Jam’ is available from 5pm till 9:30pm Monday to Thursday and all day Sunday for just £12.50 and includes a choice of any flat bread from the menu, a portion of salt and pepper chips and a jam jar sundae.
Also available are a choice Afternoon Tea’s, with Traditional, Fizzy or Cocktail Afternoon Tea and prices start from £14.50pp, please enquire or see website for full details.
A resident DJ plays every Friday and Saturday from 9pm in the Lounge Bar, playing popular and chart music every week.
The Apothecary has so much to offer there is something for everyone to try, but do call and book if you are dining in the restaurant.
Reviewed by Fleur & Nik Abel
