Flavours of Walrus

Walrus nibbles

One Saturday in late January me and Jon decided to go up town, bringing Herbert for the first time. We went to our regular charity shops and as usual we ended up in the Northern Quarter looking for somewhere to eat. The only problem these days is that we've got a big buggy and we either have to keep it beside us by the table or fold it and have the carrycot on our table/seat.

Just as we expected, Home Sweet Home was crammed full, so was Teacup, and the Marble pub 57 Thomas Street. That's pretty much all our regular places and they're always super busy at weekends, so unless you've got ten or more minutes to queue, go somewhere else.

We had been to Walrus once before and although there's nothing mind-blowing about the place, we decided to check it out. Success at last...

A quick glance at the menu makes me think that Walrus doesn't really bother much about the food, it appears to be more of a drinks/cocktail place, and that's probably a wise concept for a place located on the edge of the Northern Quarter. From that perspective, though, you have to say that the selection isn't too bad, and the quality of the food is better than you might expect.

We ordered halloumi skewers (£4.50), baked portobello mushroom (£4.50) and chips (£2.50) to share. These options are under the category "half plates" and that's exactly what they are, so don't expect to be filled up by these alone. It's more like tapas; various bites of nice texture, with flavoursome dips and fresh pieces of salad on the side.

Halloumi & Cucumber Ribbon Skewers, Pea & Mint Bon Bons

Baked Portabello Mushroom, wilted Spinach & Melted Brie
with herb crust

Walrus Thick Cut Chips

The service in Walrus is good and although it isn't the busiest place north of Market Street, it feels busy enough for a Saturday afternoon. But perhaps best of all; our buggy fitted, folded under the table, and the carrycot on the seat beside Jon. One's priorities inevitably change with a baby on board.

We came prepared with expressed milk for Herbert, so everybody got a taste of the good stuff. I even had a little bit of American IPA. If you're looking for a decent selection of quality beer however, I'd suggest you look around the corner.