Custom House Bar & Grill

Who would have thought that the once staid and boring Custom House would be transformed into the trendy restaurant complex of present times? Surely not the Vikings who looked at this waterfront building as they anchored their ships at the harbour! The Custom House Bar and Grill is housed on the ground floor of this historic structure that has been refurbished and, although the exterior is still the traditional dark brown, the inside spaces are open, bright and airy.

The Custom House Bar and Grill is a modern European brasserie with influences from Scandinavia thrown in. With its deep red leather banquettes it exudes an air of comfort, while the spacious interiors offer stunning views across the water. Why not walk in for a late brunch and sample a Spanish potato omelette or a spinach quiche? Smoked salmon with horseradish cream also provides an interesting start to the day.

For lunch you could begin with a cool gazpacho with cucumber, tuna and codfish ceviche and then progress to the tempting displays on the smorgasbord. Try the prawns with boiled egg and lump fish roe served with mayonnaise on rye bread or the pan fried fillet of plaice, remoulade sauce and pickled cucumber. The grilled corn fed chicken sandwich with salad, curry dressing and bacon or the beef burger with cheddar, bacon and coleslaw are other good ways to have an enjoyable meal there.

At dinner time the Bar and Grill turns into a full fledged restaurant serving dishes such as a classic lobster bisque with dill fish cakes or carpaccio of venison, sprinkled with cumin and hazelnuts, drizzled with colza oil, and finally topped with cheese amongst other starters. For the main course you could order the confit of duck, spring cabbage, apple-turnip pure and foie gras jus or the rack of lamb with pearl onions, parsnips, puy lentils and red wine sauce.

What use is such fine dining if it doesn't culminate in something sweet? Don't count your increasing calorie intake and simply order the rich chocolate tart with orange curd and Chantilly cream or maybe the fresh strawberries and ice cream. The international wine list offers a suitable range to complement your meal or you could select one of the champagnes if you prefer a more bubbly accompaniment. The Bar and Grill is just the place if you want to spend an intimate evening ruminating over a drink, looking out at the twilight over the harbour.