Food review: Trippets Lounge Bar

Described as an establishment for ‘fizz, gin, dining and jazz’, the award-winning independent bar offers an ever-increasing range of 89 gins, amongst other drinks such as wine and beer, as well as a scrumptious taster menu of food available from noon, Wednesday through Saturday, and brunch most Sundays.

It is run by Debbie and Carl Shaw and has been open for around four years.

Heading inside on what was a bitterly cold Wednesday evening, we were greeted by the friendly bar manager who welcomed us to grab a drink at the bar before taking our seat.

There we met owner Debbie, who was on hand to impart her encyclopaedic knowledge of all things gin.

I’ll admit I’m not the biggest fan of the staple gin and tonic so was a little sceptical when encouraged to try one.

After being given a taste of each tonic, I decided to step out my comfort zone and order Liverpool Valencia orange gin, pairing it with an orange tonic and a fresh orange wedge – a drink so nice I ordered a second before we headed to our table.

Trippets has a somewhat dark and atmospheric interior with monochromatic décor and candelabras aplenty.

Seated next to the window we were served bread and oil to start before later placing our order. The menu is primarily tasting plates, perfect for sharing, with plenty of side options, so you can make it more like a standard main if you’d prefer.

We went for a selection start after it was recommended to try a few plates first then order more if needed afterwards.

The team were very accommodating for the vegan in the group, adapting the menu to offer something suitable and suggesting other ingredients they could add to make the dish viable for his dietary needs.

I went with the poached egg and mushrooms on toast. The mushrooms were in a rich and creamy white wine sauce and the egg was perfectly poached, a wonderful addition to the dish with flavours that complimented each other perfectly.

My second dish – medallions of pork, dauphinoise potatoes and cider gravy – was equally as satisfying and a credit to Carl, the owner and chef, who rocked it in the kitchen.

My other half opted for the red wine, poached pear and watercress salad with stilton pate and toast. As the cheese was not suitable for vegans, this was swapped for orange segments adding a refreshing yet sweet spin to the dish.

He also had some olives, remarking them as the best he’d had in a long time, followed by the same mushroom dish I had just without the creamy garlic sauce.

With a little room left, we opted for dessert in a bid to satisfy our sweet tooths.

Although no vegan options were available, again the team were happy enough to rustle something up providing fruit and soya custard.

While I was tempted by the dark chocolate cake, I decided on the lemon posset offering a mixture of flavours – deliciously sweet and crunchy shortbread alongside the beautifully tangy lemon, enough to excite the tastebuds.

After a relaxing meal, and in the now busy restaurant, we finished our drinks and paid for the meal, totalling just shy of £80 for both the food and two drinks each.

Trippets may be a somewhat hidden gem but now, having visited for the first time, I only wished I’d tried it sooner.

My one recommendation though, if opting for brunch, is to ring before as it is sometimes closed for private events on Sundays

Trippets Lounge Bar is open on Wednesday and Thursday between 12 noon and 10:30pm, with food being served until 9pm.

On Fridays and Saturdays it is open from 12 noon until midnight and food served until 10pm)

Brunch is available on Sunday between 12 noon and 3pm. The bar closes at 4pm.

Live jazz music is also on offer between 8:30-11.30pm on Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday between 12:30-3:30pm.

See: https://www.trippetsloungebar.co.uk/