The Obar in Leicester brings tastes from around the world as it unveils a new range of craft beers

Photo credit: Scott Choucino

Craft beer fans in Leicester are in for a treat after the Obar in Braunstone Gate was given a revamp to become a specialist craft beer venue.

The bar now has one of the most extensive craft beer selections in the city, with over 20 different bottles, 14 beers on draught and two ales. The range includes beers brewed by local breweries, as well as craft ales and beers from as far away as Iceland and the USA.

At the same time, the trendy bar has been given a facelift and begun offering a new bar menu created by the Smokehouse restaurant above the Obar, which opened permanently earlier this year having initially launched as a pop-up venue.

General manager at the Obar, Phil Hewitt, said: “The craft beer we’ve been offering upstairs in the Smokehouse has been going down a treat, and in general terms craft beer has been rising in popularity, so we decided to give the Obar a fresh look and introduce a wider range of craft beers.

“We believe we’ve created something different – not just for Braunstone Gate but for the city of Leicester too. We plan to rotate the beer we offer, as well as feature guest craft beers, so that we can serve a dynamic range and appeal to all tastes.”

Phil has been working with chef Liam Watson to source beers that complement the food being served at the Obar, as well as beers that are likely to be popular with punters.

The venue has introduced four house beers from London-based brewery Meantime, a rotating selection of up to three local cask ales, a range of imported American keg beers, and will serve a wide selection of imported and home-brewed bottled craft beers from Europe and the US, including items from breweries such as Camden Town Brewery, BrewDog, Crafty Dan, Innis & Gunn, Blue Moon Brewing Co, Goose Island, Brooklyn Brewery, Anchor, Founders and Sly Fox.

It will also serve Orchard Pig Explorer Cider, produced in the West Country.

The Obar, which is part of the East Midlands-based Orange tree group of pubs, bars and venues, was opened in 2001 as the group’s third venue. It also operates the Orange tree in High Street, Leicester, the Lansdowne in London Road, Leicester, late-night venue the Basement in Wellington Street, Leicester, as well as the Orange tree and the Kelso in Loughborough, and the Orange tree in Nottingham.

Director Ben Hings, who runs the group with Gareth Smith, said: “Innovative flavours of beer developed by breweries have become very popular with beer connoisseurs and bar-goers in general, and we’ve worked hard to create a range that we hope will appeal to drinkers in the Braunstone Gate area, and will also encourage people to come from other areas of the city to try the craft beers.

“After getting fantastic feedback last year when we opened the Smokehouse as a pop-up venue above the Obar, we launched the restaurant permanently earlier this year and it’s now become a popular place to eat in the city. As a natural extension, we’ve recently begun offering lighter, smaller meals from the Smokehouse menu downstairs at the Obar and the new range of craft beers we’ve introduced fits very well with these dishes.”The Obar is open from 4.30pm to 2am daily, and is based at 59-61 Braunstone Gate. For more information visit www.orangetree.co.uk/obar

Press release issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Summer menu launched at Leicester bar The Lansdowne

Popular Leicester bar The Lansdowne has unveiled a summer menu with additional vegetarian and vegan choices. 

Executive chef for the Orange tree group, Mark Turner, has created a new range of mouth-watering, meat-free dishes that will appeal to non-meat eaters and carnivores alike. The range includes courgette and roasted pepper tart with a vegan olive oil pastry case, and wild mushroom ravioli, made with thyme and truffle oil vegan pasta. 

The vegan options sit alongside other appealing choices, such as pan fried mackerel with a rhubarb and ginger compote - made using rhubarb grown in Mark’s garden. 

“The Lansdowne’s new vegan and vegetarian choices are designed to be equally appealing to meat-eaters, as well as to those who don’t eat meat or ingredients derived from animal products,” said Mark. 

“It seems that more and more people are becoming ‘flexitarian’ - the trend of eating less meat and more vegetables without adopting full vegetarianism – and our summer menu has something for everyone, whatever their taste.” 

Around 2% of the UK population is believed to be vegetarian, with many more avoiding certain types of meat or choosing alternatives. A report by Eating Better Alliance revealed at the end of last year that 25% of the British public had cut back on meat in the past year. 

Other vegan or vegetarian options on the menu at The Lansdowne, which is based in London Road, Leicester, include polenta fries, mixed tapas, flageolet and vegetable gumbo, and sweet potato and coconut korma. 

Mark, who has been with the Orange tree group since The Lansdowne opened nearly ten years ago, has also included a number of gluten-free options on The Lansdowne menu. 

The buns for the bar’s burgers, as well as the other breads that are served, are produced by Leicester award-winning family bakery Brucciani. 

Food is served at The Lansdowne from noon to 9pm Monday to Saturday and from noon until 7pm on Sundays. The Lansdowne is ideal for pre-theatre and event dining, being close to De Montfort Hall, and is also popular for business lunches and with students at the nearby University of Leicester. 

For more information visit www.orangetree.co.uk/thelansdowne

Press release issued by Nottingham PR firm Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Leicester pop-up restaurant The Smokehouse becomes permanent fixture in the West End

A pop-up restaurant in Leicester has been so successful that now it’s to become a permanent venue on the city’s dining scene.

The Smokehouse opened above the O bar in Braunstone Gate for four weeks towards the end of last year. The exciting culinary concept brought a unique style of Southern-American inspired smoked food to Leicester and received rave reviews.

It re-opened its doors in February as a pop-up as a result of popular demand.

Now owners of The Orange Tree Group, who run the O bar, have decided that The Smokehouse will become a permanent fixture in the area, after receiving so much positive feedback.

“Customers have really voted with their feet, so we’ve opted to keep The Smokehouse open, which we hope will add to the regeneration of Braunstone Gate and the West End area,” said Orange Tree Group director Ben Hings.

“We’ve been delighted to hear how much customers have enjoyed eating at The Smokehouse, and so pleased that they have continued to support this new venture, which we feel is something unique on the Leicester dining scene.”

Chef Liam Watson has developed a menu that includes a range of smoked food, created using an authentic grill imported from the States, with some meats smoked for up to 14 hours.

So far, he’s served up more than 1,200 main dishes, or ‘big smokes’ as they are referred to on the menu. Fourteen-hour pulled pork has proved to be the most popular main dish listing.

As far as side dishes go, mashed potatoes topped with garlic and chive butter has proved a winner with customers tucking into almost 400 portions. And when it comes to puddings, it’s the sticky toffee and maple pudding served with salted caramel bourbon sauce which has been most popular.

A selection of craft beers is being served up to complement the dishes. 

Liam has now been joined by a sous chef in the kitchen after the decision was made to keep The Smokehouse open permanently.

“The Smokehouse is a new concept for Leicester and I’m really pleased that the feedback we’ve received from diners has been so positive,” said Liam, who has experience of working in rosette standard kitchens.

The news that the venue is to become permanent coincides with Westival – the music street festival taking place on Sunday May 4^th on Braunstone Gate. Organised by pubs, bars, restaurants and businesses in the West End, it is being held for the first time and aims to encourage crowds to the area. It will feature stalls, bands and other entertainments, and has been funded through Leicester City Council’s Gateway Improvement Scheme.

Liam will be running a Smokehouse stall at the event, selling a selection of favourite dishes. He will also be at Leicester’s Summer Food and Drink Festival at Leicester Market on 25 May.

The O bar is part of the independent Orange Tree Group of pubs and bars in Leicester, which also runs The Orange Tree in High Street, The Lansdowne in London Road, and The Basement in Wellington Street. It also operates The Orange Tree and The Kelso in Loughborough, as well as The Orange Tree in Nottingham.

The (Pop up) Smokehouse @ The O bar received a string of rave reviews when it opened first time round.

Leicester food blogger Tim Burke said: “Here was very good, down-to-earth flavour-led food at fair prices...You should try it while it’s here. I’m certainly going back.”

Customer Emma Rees said: “Outstanding food and brilliant service - tastiest food we've eaten in ages.”

Customer Emily Horwill said: “The food was AWESOME! Really good value for money.”

Customer Karen Cheesman said: “Had a meal here last night, one word FANTASTIC!!”

Comments shortly after it opened in February included the following:

“I think that the American barbecue theme worked perfectly here, the concept was a very good one and the food tasted wonderful.” Blogger Toby Elkington at Flavoursome Feast.

“The braised beef burger really stole the show.…who knew beef could melt like that with deep and exciting smokey flavours.” Blogger Harriet Ruff at The Sunnier Side Up.

“My absolutely favourites were the melting pulled pork chilli con carne with sour cream and the heavenly mash.” Blogger Emily, from Recipes and Reviews.

“As the good quality vanilla ice-cream started to melt into that sauce I was reflecting there was no more pleasurable experience available in Leicester that night.” Blogger Tim Burke from www.riponia.wordpress.com

The Smokehouse is open from 6pm Tuesday to Saturday. For bookings, telephone 0116 255 8223 or to find out more, visit https://www.facebook.com/thesmokehouseleicester

Press release issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

The (Pop up) Smokehouse @ The Obar in Leicester returns

Leicester diners will get the chance to sample authentic, highly acclaimed Southern American inspired smoked dishes once more when The (Pop up) Smokehouse @ The Obar re-opens later this month.

The exciting culinary concept arrived in Leicester as a pop up restaurant at The Obar in Braunstone Gate for four weeks towards the end of last year.

Now it’s back by popular demand, and will re-open on February 27^th….once again as a pop-up concept.

As before, the restaurant will serve up a range of smoked food, created using an authentic grill imported from the States, with some meats smoked for up to 14 hours.

Chef Liam Watson has developed a menu unique to Leicester – with the Obar serving up a selection of craft beers to complement the dishes. 

“Feedback from The (Pop up) Smokehouse @ The Obar when we opened for four weeks in November and December was great,” said Liam. “Diners loved the concept, the food, the beers and the atmosphere. Reviews were really positive.

“We know that many of them wanted to return and we also realised that many who would have liked to give it a try weren’t able to do so in the four weeks that it was available, so we’re re-opening on February 27^th to bring another flavour to the Leicester dining scene once more.”

The (Pop Up) Smokehouse @ The Obar is housed in the upstairs room at The Obar, which has been transformed into a cosy dining space. It will serve up authentic dishes inspired by southern state American soul foods with an Orange Tree twist.

The menu will feature dishes such as St Louis cut pork ribs with BBQ glaze, 12 hour smoked brisket of beef served in a brioche bun with pickled red cabbage and crispy onions, and stuffed butter nut squash topped with smoky tomato and chipotle sauce.

Lauren Pepper, general manager at The Obar, said: “We felt the pop up restaurant was a great addition to the Braunstone Gate area, as well as to the dining experience on offer in the city as a whole, so we’re delighted to see it back. It’s a case of diners voting with their feet, and if the demand is there we will keep it rolling.

“Both smoked food and pop up dining experiences are very much on trend at the moment, and we believe that what we’re offering at The (Pop up) Smokehouse is unique in Leicester.”

The (Pop up) Smokehouse @ The Obar received a string of rave reviews when it opened first time round.

Leicester food blogger Tim Burke said: “Here was very good, down-to-earth flavour-led food at fair prices...You should try it while it’s here. I’m certainly going back.”

Customer Emma Rees said: “Outstanding food and brilliant service - tastiest food we've eaten in ages.”

Customer Emily Horwill said: “The food was AWESOME! Really good value for money.”

Customer Karen Cheesman said: “Had a meal here last night, one word FANTASTIC!!”

The Obar is part of the independent Orange Tree Group of pubs and bars in Leicester, which also runs The Orange Tree in High Street, The Lansdowne in London Road, and The Basement in Wellington Street. Chef Liam has experience of working in rosette standard kitchens, and is usually based at The Lansdowne.

The (Pop up) Smokehouse @ The Obar will be open from 6pm Tuesday to Saturday. For bookings, telephone 0116 255 8223 or email obar@orangetree.co.uk

Press release issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

The (Pop up) Smokehouse @ The Obar brings authentic southern state American soul foods to Leicester

A new and exciting dining experience is coming to Leicester…for four weeks only.

The Obar in Braunstone Gate is launching a pop-up smokehouse kitchen on November 7^th featuring authentic smoked dishes.

The menu for The (Pop up) Smokehouse @ The Obar has been created by chef Liam Watson, who will be using an authentic grill imported from the States and smoking meats for up to 14 hours.

“The grill can happily smoke ten or 12 racks of ribs or a whole suckling pig,” explained Liam. “We use meat from local, traditionally bred Gloucester Old Spot and Long White pigs. Both are old English breeds famous for their flavour and succulence.

“We will cook our meat over hickory and oak pellets, to build a balanced smokey flavour. This, together with our signature spicy rub and the long slow cooking process of up to 14 hours, creates the tenderest, tastiest piece of meat you'll ever eat.”

The (Pop Up) Smokehouse @ The Obar will be housed in the upstairs room at The Obar, and is designed to add something new to the dining scene not just in Braunstone Gate but in the city of Leicester.

“Smoked food is very much on trend at the moment but we believe that this authentic approach to smoking food could be a first for Leicester,” said Lauren Pepper, general manager at the Obar.

“In true pop-up style, the restaurant will be open for a limited time only so it’s a case of ‘catch it while you can’.”

The Obar is part of the independent Orange Tree Group of pubs and bars in Leicester, which also runs The Orange Tree in High Street, The Lansdowne in London Road, and The Basement in Wellington Street.

Liam, 25, who has experience of working in rosette standard kitchens, and is usually based at The Lansdowne, will be smoking meat, vegetables and cheese. He has developed his own blend of salts, dried herbs and spices for red meats, and another for poultry and fish.

“I use these to dry cure the meats, drawing out the moisture and breaking down the proteins, and then when it comes to cooking, these flavours are easily drawn in,” he explained.

“The smoking processes work particularly well on vegetables too, such as fennel, aubergines and carrots, so we will have options for vegetarians, as well as interesting side dishes.

“We thought it would be fun to offer something experimental and something unique. One of the reasons it is unique is that it is quite a challenge to achieve these techniques and flavours – some meats will be rubbed, cured, smoked and prepared for days before they are brought to the plate. This concept is an exciting one for us and perfect for a pop-up model, seen mostly in London, but unique to Leicester we believe.”

Liam, who has been a chef since he was 18, has created a number of signature dishes, including pork ribs (St Louis cut) with an Obar rub & bbq glaze and 14-hour pulled pork and pulled pork chilli con carne.

All dishes at The Smokehouse can be complemented with perfectly matched crafts beers available at The Obar.

The (Pop up) Smokehouse @ The Obar will be open from 6pm to 9.30/10pm Monday to Saturday and from 2pm to 7pm (tbc) on Sundays. For bookings, telephone 0115 255 8223 or email obar@orangetree.co.uk

For more information visit www.facebook.com/thesmokehouseleicester

Press release issued by Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Wedding service launched by the Orange Tree in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire

East Midlands pub group the Orange Tree has launched a new weddings service as an extension to its outside bar facilities.

The group has hosted weddings at its Nottingham venue for some time, and has more than 12 years’ experience of running bars at events and festivals across the region.

Now the company is bringing its expertise together with the launch of Orange Tree Weddings, which will operate in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

The service aims to transform village halls and spaces into romantic wedding venues – creating a vintage-inspired, unique wedding venue.

As well as providing the bar, the Orange Tree Weddings service will offer catering, stylish decoration and a host of other items that make a wedding day special.

One of the first brides to choose the service was Mel Adams, who until recently was the general manager at the Orange Tree pub in Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, and whose quest for something a bit different for her wedding was the inspiration behind the launch of Orange Tree Weddings.

Mel, who is now running the new service and is also marketing assistant for the Orange Tree group, married Peter Adams in October, with an Orange Tree-style reception at Quorn Village Hall.

Orange Tree Group managing director Gareth Smith said: “As the former general manager at the Orange Tree in Nottingham, Mel has been involved in hosting many wedding receptions. She’s also played a key role in managing the bars at several festivals and events for the Orange Tree.

“She knew exactly what she wanted for her wedding reception, but discovered that no-one was offering this type of service, so she’s inspired us to launch our own. It means that brides and grooms across Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire will be able to have stylish and affordable wedding receptions in local village halls.”

Mel, who has a passion for vintage curiosities, is joined by head designer Julia Harwood.

Mel said: “No matter how basic the chosen village hall looks in the cold light of day, we can turn it into a romantic decorated scene using our decorations, drapes, bunting and lighting. We can provide hand-painted signage and props with personalised messages, and have collected attractive vintage cutlery and crockery and crisp white table runners with Jules’ homemade table runners made from vintage materials.

“Real cask ales and cocktails are a speciality on our bars, and we can offer a range of different food options to suit different party sizes and budgets.”

The Orange Tree Group, which has bars in Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham, has built up a reputation for the weddings it hosts at the Orange Tree in Shakespeare Street, Nottingham.

The new service means that Orange Tree-style weddings can now also be held elsewhere.

“We have an amazing range of vintage decorations that completely transform a village hall-type venue to provide a really unique, one-off experience for the happy couple and their guests,” said Mel. “The same quality of drinks and catering that we provide in-house will also be offered at these outside venues.

“It’s bringing together all the expertise we have in food, catering and design, and creating something different for couples who want a personal wedding that’s within their budget. Couples can leave all the planning, organisation and set-up in the hands of ourselves to enjoy their day to the fullest extent.”

Visit www.orangetreeweddings.co.uk for more information.

Press release issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk