MediaCityUK
Last weekend, we made a return
visit to The Alchemist at MediaCity, the trendy restaurant and bar nestled in
between the two docks in Salford Quays. It’s a favourite with the stars who
frequent the nearby television studios, famous for its theatrical cocktails and
unconventional menu.
I’ve previously spoken fondly
about the food. Back in April, I enjoyed one of the most delicious portions of
fish and chips I’ve ever had. Served black, the charcoal-battered cod melted in
your mouth and the fries, whilst not the chunky chips you’d expect to accompany
the Great British classic, were perfectly seasoned and generously portioned.
In June, I returned and
enjoyed a spectacular lemon and poppy seed fondant for dessert. A light and
fluffy sponge oozing with lemon curd filling, served warm with clotted cream,
it instantly became one of my all-time favourite puddings and certainly worth
the 15 minute waiting time whilst the kitchen prepare it fresh to order.
This time, we went for
something different. Rather than ordering a starter and a main course each, we
opted for one of the ‘Social’ options. These are designed for sharing,
consisting of an array of starters and available in a meat and a veggie option.
They can be found on the menu
underneath the starters. I’m not entirely sure whether they’re intended to be
enjoyed as a starter or as an alternative to a main course. For two people,
there’s too much for a starter but not enough to keep you satisfied for main
course.
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| The Social #2 - The Vegetarian Option |
We had the vegetarian option,
which consisted of a bowl of nachos, edamame beans, padron peppers, mac and cheese
bites, vegetable gyozas and houmous with crudites. The nachos were one of the
standout nibbles, topped with guacamole, salsa and sour cream. The mac and
cheese bites were equally delicious and totally unlike any other kind of mac
and cheese bites I’ve had in the past, as they weren’t greasy or sickly.
Accompanied by chipotle mayonnaise, they weren’t overly rich.
 |
| Nacho Bowl |
The other bits and pieces were
nothing to shout about. The padron peppers and edamame beans seemed like a bit
of a cop out. Given the vast array of starters available on the main menu, they
certainly could have included some better options. The houmous was, however, creamy
and delicious.
 |
| Vegetable Gyozas, Houmous and Crudites, Padron Peppers |
We added a couple of extras to
our social platter in the form of salt and pepper squid and sweet potato fries.
It was a good job we did, as the platter in itself is certainly not enough to
replace a main course. You can choose to ‘big up’ your social sharer for an
additional £5. This simply means you get four of everything rather than three.
This seems like a bit of a trap to entice you to pay extra, as three is an
awkward number to share between two people and, if there were four of you,
there certainly wouldn’t be enough to go round.
 |
| Mac & Cheese Bites and Edamame Beans |
The salt and pepper squid was
delicious, accompanied by a garlic mayonnaise dip, and the sweet potato fries
were perfectly cooked. It’s difficult to get sweet potato fries just right but
The Alchemist managed it; they were soft and fluffy with a crispy glaze.
 |
| Salt and Pepper Squid |
The social platter was £19,
which was far too expensive for what it was. Had I ordered a starter and a main
course, it would likely have cost me less and the portions would have been much
bigger and more satisfying. The salt and pepper squid was £6.50 and the sweet
potato fries were £4, so it quickly added up to become quite an expensive bite
to eat, considering we weren’t overly satisfied by the end of it. If you pick
the meaty option, consisting of barbecue wings, pulled pork bon bons and
tempura prawns alongside the nachos, mac and cheese bites and homous, it’ll set
you back even further, at £24 a pop.
I’m a fan of The Alchemist
and, generally, the food is very good. I just don’t think these sharing
platters are worth the money.
But, as my Mum always says: if
you don’t try, you won’t know.
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