The Moorings Bar & Restaurant
34 Castlegate, Newark, Notts NG24 1BG
Tel. 01636 611118
www.themooringsrestaurantandbar.co.uk

“You are talking about the Goldilocks zone,” stated The Gastrosexualist, slipping into lecturer mode. “Scientists are using it all the time these days in connection to the search for extra-solar planets, planets light years away beyond our solar system, Earth like worlds that might potentially support life.”
“How is that connected to this?” The Flower asked. She gestured at her starter of cured salmon, toasted brioche and poached egg. It sat before her on a pristine plate, the cutlery gleaming, glasses sparkling, on a table polished and clean.
First a sip of the French house red, the 2008 Baron d’Arignac: smooth, tangy, fruity and eminently quaffable. “Well the orbit of these planets must lie within a particular zone - neither too close nor too far from their sun, neither too hot nor too cold – in a position just right. Like Earth... and, yes, kind of how Goldilocks’ described her porridge. And as you put it just a moment ago, this starter is just right: portion size, temperature, seasoning, mix of ingredients, a perfect combination of elements, simply perfect little dish.” Regretting the explanation I dived back into the starter, noting how a clever addition of balsamic glaze to decorate the plate helped bring the dish together even more. A feather-light sweet brioche, fabulous poached egg oozing unctuous yolk as soon as my fork brushed it, fresh and flavoursome salmon, that lip-smacking touch of balsamic.
We have come today to The Moorings, an exciting and vibrant new venue in Newark. This bar and restaurant is situated in what was once an old coaching inn, dating as far back as 1770. You can find The Moorings sitting plumb in the shadow of Newark castle overlooking the river Trent and the town lock. It can be approached from two sides – the river itself (nice little walk this) or from the road and through into the courtyard it shares with the fabulous Just Beer Micro pub (highly recommended for real ale connoisseurs). The Moorings aims to dazzle with a sexy and sophisticated first impression. It aims for drama. The bar area boasts funky design touches and fun, vibrant colour mixed with sassy tones and swanky velvet. A great range of drinks are on offer here and the bar menu with its sharer platters, chunky sarnies, hand cut chips, olives, soup and freshly made bread is mighty tempting for a generous snack. There is a separate dining area which is modern but comfortable, full of sparkle and flair yet warm and relaxing. Overhead candelabras glitter opulently and light-toned oak beams show the character of the venue but do not overwhelm. It is an intimate space and well-laid out managing ample room between the tables. The smartly uniformed staff members work the restaurant well and are charming, knowledgeable and professional.
The lunch menu is wisely pared down but offers some tantalising choices with two courses at £11.95 or three at £15.95. As mentioned it was the salmon starter for both of us, followed by a locally sourced 10oz rump steak for me (note a £5 supplement but well worth the extra cost) – grilled medium rare and perfectly succulent and juicy (best I’ve had for some time in fact). This was served with hand cut chunky chips cooked in proper fat, seasoned well, a nice sized mushroom and a lovely side salad. The Flower, feeling daring, opted for the blue swimmer crab and prawn risotto which hit the spot nicely, not too creamy, great consistency, fresh meaty crab but not overpowering , lemony but not sharp, with plump prawns bursting with flavour. The Gastrosexualist also eyed up the lemon and thyme roasted chicken, this being served with new potatoes and a French bean and shallot salad to a table nearby - it looked (and smelled) divine.
The Moorings impressed. It has passion. There is nothing quite like this restaurant and bar in Newark. It could have been let down by mediocre, so-so food that failed to live up to the hype and promise of its glamorous image but menu, presentation, sourcing of ingredients, skill of the chef and flavour of the dishes made this venue an absolute treat.
Try it – you can even slip in the ad hoc astronomy lecture if you dare.