Whiskey And Rye

For the past few years Beeston has been home to a great little bistro called Belle & Jerome. But it closed a couple of weeks ago, while some renovations took place.  The bar has also been renamed as 'Rye', named after part of Beeston called the Rylands, which is near the river.

They have also rebranded it as a bar & restaurant, but will be open from 8am for breakfast. It officially opens to the public tomorrow, but there was a special opening event tonight, which I got an invitation to.

The owners looked like they have invested a lot of money into the refurb. I have been following their Tweets over the past couple of weeks, and have found out that the new wooden floor that's been laid comes from a four hundred year old mill in Yorkshire.

The place was buzzing tonight and people seems genuinely impressed with the decor, choice of food and drink and general ambience of the place. It should do well, especially as the previous version always had such a loyal customer base.

The Land Of Make Believe

I had my weekly catch up lunch with some of my former co-workers today at our now favourite eatery Bistro 5G.

It is just across the road from where I used to work, but now I have about a 10 minute uphill walk to it.

I was surprised to see this new mural that the owner Piers had painted in one corner near the bar area.  It looks like it was based on some of the buildings in Portmeirion.

He's even done a 'Hitchcock' in that he's the person throwing his food out of the window. Honestly Piers, your food isn't that bad!

And can you spot the person from Munch's The Scream painting hidden in the shadows?

Striking The Right Chord

Gail has now started a college course on a Tuesday night. So instead of moping at home alone, I decided to go to a local bistro, as there was a musician playing. Although I do have loads of photos that need processing from all the events and places that I have covered over the last few days. But the draw of music and food was too much to resist.

The musician's name is Dan Johnson, and he sung a lot of blues tunes. So to help get into the mood, I treated myself to a Cajun chicken burger and ate while I listened and took photographs.

The bistro was busy, but not heaving, so I was able to walk and crouch around uninterrupted. I even asked if I could take some from behind the bar. Which I was allowed to do.