Relish

relish

The Spice Market Café is dead. Long live Relish. There’s a reason why Richard Smith is one of the city’s biggest culinary success stories. He doesn’t rest on his name or laurels and he doesn’t flog a dead horse – so when he realised the concept of Spice Café wasn’t really working, he shook things up. Big time. The result is Relish which offers a more homely environment akin to his popular Thyme café in Broomhill. Low lights, big timber ceiling, quirky artwork. As soon as you walk in you feel instantly at home.

 

The Food

It’s 5pm on a Saturday - and the place is packed. Given that Relish has only been open a week, the early signs are good. You’re really spoilt for choice. There’s menus on every table – but there’s also a plethora of chalkboards scattered around the place offering everything from daily specials through to brunch and early bird deals.

It’s the specials board which catches my eye for the starter; chicken liver parfait with onion jam, chutney, sald leaves and toast. Hand on heart, this blew me away – amazing taste and a ridiculously generous portion. I liked it so much they’re making me a batch up for me to serve on Christmas day. Bless ‘em. My dining companions chose to share the mussels, again off the specials board, which went down a treat.

For the main, I opt for the Sheffield fish cake, chips and peas. I’m a Southerner, for my sins, and the ‘fish cakes’ you get down there aren’t like you get up here. The North wins. Hands down.

Elsewhere, the hearty steamed chicken and ham hock pudding (with buttered new potatoes and spring cabbage) is a meaty triumph – but it’s the halibut that everyone agrees is the pièce de résistance. At £17, it’s probably the most expensive thing on the menu, but it’s worth every penny. Served with whole grain mustard, crushed new potatoes and green beans, the flavours and textures were incredible.

 

The Verdict

Richard Smith’s come up trumps with this place. I enjoyed my experience here so much, I was back the next day. I’ve always liked Thyme café – and that sort of sociable eating environment is just what Eccy Rd has been crying out for. Oh, and next time I go, I’m definitely getting involved in Elvis’ favourite sarnie - French toast, crispy bacon, peanut butter, caramelised banana and jam. Thankyouverymuch.

 

Sandwiches: £5 - £8 (Lunch deal 12pm – 3pm, Mon Fri)
Classics: £6 - £16

Open 7 days - 9am ‘till late for coffee, beers and snacks  Lunch 11am - 3pm  Dinner5pm - late Monday to Friday
All day Saturday & Sunday

Early Bird Menu 2 courses £10 or 3 courses £12 - everyday 12 noon - 2.30pm and 5pm - 7pm

Additional Information:

Opening times
Daily: 9am till late
Cuisine
British

Contact information

Address
371-373 Ecclesall Road
Telephone
0114 266 5541