A few weeks ago on a warm, rainy evening, we were invited to the top of Park Street for dinner. We were headed to The Square Kitchen to try out their new Spring menu.

The restaurant was very quiet (probably because it was a Monday night, and most people were downstairs enjoying the live music in the lounge) so we had our pick of the tables. I chose the window table, looking out on the leafy Berkley Square and across to Bristol University.

Starters at The Square

Balsamic heritage tomato, basil mousse, bocconcini, basil gel, rocket pesto, tomato spherification – £5.90

We both chose the same starter as it sounded delicious. I didn’t fancy anything hot as it was such a warm day, and this was perfectly fresh. The basil mousse was lovely and creamy, and was a good contrast with the sharp cherry tomatoes. There were so many different textures. I have since discovered what tomato spherification is – I had absolutely no idea. It’s always fun trying something new.

Main course at The Square

Grilled Cornish skate, girolles, salsify, cauliflower puree, pickled cauliflower, hazelnut buerre noisette – £15.50

Sticking with the whole trying something new thing, I had skate for my main course. It was beautifully presented and tasted just as good as it looked. The pickled cauliflower is something I would love to have again, and really complemented the dish. If you’re wondering what salsify and girolles are, I Googled them too – salsify is a root vegetable, and girolles are mushrooms – and they were a lovely accompaniment.

Violet potato gnocchi, purple sprouting broccoli, saffron cream, pine nuts, parmesan – £11.50

He had the soft gnocchi in a smooth, creamy sauce. The colours together were amazing. It was a little too much though, even for a hungry cyclist.

Dessert at The Square

Chocolate fondant, salt caramel, hazelnut praline, peanut butter ice cream – £6.50

We couldn’t resist dessert, and both went for the chocolate fondant, despite eyeing up a few of the others on offer – I would’ve liked a spoonful of each, to be honest. The fondant just sounded too good, and the waiter’s recommendation really sold it to us.

I’m not usually a big fan of caramel, but this was amazing – a spoonful of everything together was just heavenly. But the real winner was the peanut butter ice cream. That’s definitely one I’d like to try and recreate.

I had such a lovely evening trying some new food at The Square, and the staff were really friendly and knowledgeable. Definitely one to check out if you’re looking for an unusual dinner slightly off the beaten track.