You know sometimes you get to Thursday and that weekend
feeling kicks in and you feel the urge to treat yourself? Well that didn’t
quite happen to Jess and I this week, but due to a combination of the standard teachers’
exhaustion coupled with us both working late, we ended up stopping off at the newly
opened Gas Street Social at The Mailbox for a tasty morsel before crashing out.
I’d been eagerly awaiting the opening of Brum’s latest trendy
eatery, especially as the latest offering to The Mailbox has a considerably
more independent vibe than the plethora of chain restaurants that surround it. After
nipping in on the opening night for the obligatory glass of fizz, (£6 for a
glass of the house Bel Star prosecco) the relaxed and informal atmosphere made
this a welcoming hang out. With some features akin to long-term-favourite York’s
Bakery, Gas Street Social had a relaxed yet refined social space that openly
invites guests to do just that: socialise.
On first impressions, the food spread is pretty impressive
and will cater for most tastes in one way, shape or form. As someone who is
quite fussy when it comes to meat, I was pleasantly surprised to see a Fish
Board along with the other sharing platters. At £17.95 it is no snip, but
between two it seemed reasonable, and something that is relatively unique amongst
competitors that already offer charcuterie boards with relative abundance. To supplement
our fish, we opted for the Crispy Arancini Balls (£5.95) from the Social Plates
range and a couple of portions of fries to boot at a sneaky £3 each. The financially
savvy amongst us will notice that what is essentially a snack is now starting
to command a relatively hefty price tag...
The fish board itself was well considered and included
lightly battered calamari rings, chilli buttered king prawns, Loch Duart Salmon
and a rather rustic potted mackerel, all served with some thickly slices rye
bread. On the one hand, this was well put together and offered a great spread,
however there was considerably more mackerel than the other offerings and not
quite enough bread to go around. Let’s face it, when you’re paying nearly £18
for a sharing platter you expect to be catered for. On the flip side, all of
the fish was exquisitely cooked and the Loch Duart Salmon was a particular
winner. The arancini balls were delicious, lightly flavoured with wild mushroom
and truffle oil, and the fries were... well, fries. Simple.
Some other things to consider could be the 3 Social plates
for £17 or 5 for £27 to include a selection from the veg, meat and fish range,
or the rather impressive looking burgers. For the drinkers, there is a range of
cocktails on offer to rival the likes of Bodega and The Bureau, all with a kitsch
name and kooky presentation.
So my verdict? It’s good, I like it. It’s different and will
attract foodies and drinkers alike. I certainly plan to go back... on Tuesday
in fact and I’m taking friends. I guess that says it all.
Gas Street Social? #Iamsocial for sure!
