Knight and Garter

We headed over to the newly opened Knight & Garter this week to celebrate the launch of their Gallery Venue space. It has been quite the transformation, from Molly O’Grady’s to K&G and the pub is unrecognisable with its sleek lines, elegant dining area and beautifully chosen drinks and food menus.

Exhibition Space

I had no idea that there was a downstairs space, and the refurbishment of that area is of just a high a standard as the rest of the venue. It makes the perfect room for an intimate exhibition, and can also be hired out for private events. In particular, I was interested in the various menus that are available for catering for groups – everything from sandwiches to hot meals and also beautiful canapes for just £5.95 a head which struck me as very reasonable, particularly as we had the opportunity to sample some of them for ourselves and see the quality of the ingredients used.

The exhibition opening that night was work by local artist Kirsteen Thomson, who is originally from Scotland but trained at DMU. She has been heavily influenced by the discovery of Richard III in the city and much of her recent work examines different elements of his life, both contemporary and modern.

Her style is full of colour and texture and often uses intensely complex levels of detail and symbolism to portray complicated themes and stories. As well as the Richard III theme, LCFC’s recent Premier League success and the wave of blue that washed over the city is also represented in her work. For my tastes, I preferred the simpler landscape pieces, in particularly the representation of Kirby Muxloe castle which does of course have strong links with the ebb and flow of the Wars of the Roses in the time of Richard III.

Food offer

It was a busy old evening at the Knight & Garter and guests were also treated to a range of samples from the menu. The arancini were definitely one of the highlights for me, but you won’t go hungry down there as they seem to offer absolutely everything – the restaurant and bar offers weekend brunch, an elegant cocktail menu, a variety of light lunch options, full dinner menu with, in particular, carefully sourced meats, and of course a lovely coffee and dessert offering to round it all off.

Thanks to the Knight & Garter for inviting us along. With their outdoor terrace and friendly team I don’t think I am going to be able to resist going back. Regularly.