Binary Bar and Restaurant is the newest addition to Bespoke Inns, a small local chain who also run The Boot at Repton, The Dragon at Willington and Harpurs in Melbourne. The other venues are more country pub type places – whereas Binary has a much more slick, contemporary feel. I loved the images on their social media so I was intrigued to see what it was like for myself. I finally got the chance last weekend. Here’s what I thought of Binary Mickleover.
Ladies who lunch
Last weekend I met up with a very dear friend. We’d lost touch over the years but it was so wonderful to see her and we slipped back into easy conversation. Who doesn’t like a good gossip over a drink and nice lunch?
Mickleover is a suburb of Derby with a village feel, but step inside Binary and you could be inside any swanky city centre venue. It really was quite swish, particularly the bar area.
I enjoyed a particularly nice glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc whilst my friend raved about her Virgin Pornstar. This would be a great place for cocktails. There’s a good selection and they even do a ‘cocktail flight’! There’s also a good boozy brunch menu, but on this occasion we were ladies that lunch.
I was really in the mood for a lovely fancy fish dish, but the only fish on their main menu is cod which I’m not a huge fan of (unless it’s battered and served with chips – which to be fair, is actually on the menu but it’s not something I tend to order out. I’m a strange creature I know). However, some of the accompaniments (leeks, crushed new potatoes, truffle oil) were appealing enough and I thought I’d give the salt baked cod a whirl. I’m sure it was perfectly well executed, and the salt baked exterior worked well, but it didn’t change my mind about cod overall. I did very much enjoy the potatoes, leeks etc.
Next time I would try the pressed lamb shoulder served with cous cous, apricots, raisins and red wine jus or the steak frites (a 4oz rump served with house butter, fries and salad for a very reasonable £14.95) but I’d already ordered my one glass of white wine…
It’s also worth noting that Binary Mickleover are currently running some good offers. There’s a set lunch menu priced at £18.95 for two courses or £22.95 for three (not available Sundays), or 3 small plates, nibbles or sides and a bottle of house wine for £29.95 (available selected days/times only – see their main menu for details).
Dessert of dreams at Binary Mickleover
For dessert I ordered the hibiscus parfait because it sounded so utterly delightful on the menu. I really love delicate floral flavours and in addition to the hibiscus, this was also served with rose syrup gel, mango (one of my favourite fruits) and meringue. It sounded like my perfect dessert so my expectations were high – but Binary smashed them. It was sensational. By far and away the best dessert I’ve eaten this year. My friend kept commenting how tiny it was, but I didn’t mind at all – it was so perfect and delicate I was happy to savour it. In fact, I think I enjoyed it more for being somewhat limited. I don’t think my photos have done this particular dish justice. It was exceptional and, at least to my taste, as good as any dessert I’ve had in a fine dining setting. I would go back in a shot for that dessert alone! (And it was vegan!)
Go for:
The best dessert in Derbyshire! Sleek, city centre style bar and restaurant.
Details:
Binary Bar and Restaurant, Limes Avenue, Mickleover, Derby, DE3 0GR, Telephone 01332 413545
My friend was on a health kick and didn’t eat much, so we each paid for our own share of the bill. A really nice, medium sized glass of wine, a main course, dessert and espresso came to about £35.
Dog friendly (certain areas only – let them know when booking).
Access arrangements – please give 24 hours notice for wheelchair and pushchair bookings.
Very small car park at the rear. Free parking at Mickleover Community Centre which is on the opposite side of the main road (I couldn’t find how to access this though and ended up parking on a residential street nearby).
Cashless venue, card payments only.
