In recent times, the stretch of Ecclesall Road around the Banner Cross pub has seen a spate of new openings reinvigorate the area, and the addition of new independent restaurant Holt has only served to add to the excitement for residents.
Holt’s owners are hoping to capitalise on the success of their new neighbours, The Dark Horse and The Itchy Pig, and, after opening earlier this month, have already received an overwhelmingly positive response.
The new restaurant is co-owned by Dariusz Jarowski, who is also the head chef responsible for the venues’ menu, which has you covered whether you’re looking for something a little different for lunch, a refined evening meal, or even just a good coffee and croissant in the day.
Dariusz has long dreamed of owning his own restaurant after working as a chef in Sheffield, most recently for two years as sous-chef at Thyme Cafe in Broomhill. He told Exposed: “I always wanted my own place. I’m passionate about cooking and I wanted to share my passion and my skills with everybody.
“I spoke to my friend and business partner, who owns the hair salon just down the road, and when this place became available, we decided it was the perfect location. I always knew what I wanted to do, what I wanted it to look like, the vibe, and so far, the feedback has been great. People are loving the food.”
Holt’s menu is focused on contemporary British dishes, that, thanks Dariusz’ love of Mediterranean cuisine, often come with a twist. That theme runs throughout the menu, including their delicious-sounding cocktail and wine menus.
Dariusz said: “The pricing is reasonable; it’s good quality food and you get a good portion. I’m aiming for somewhere between fine dining and comfort food. We want to welcome everyone.”
To compliment the high-quality food, the venue has undergone a makeover, leaving it unrecognisable from its former incarnation as an estate agent. Dariusz tells us the design for interior was a collaboration between him and his business partner Craig Holt, from who the restaurant takes its name. Between them they have created a classy, but calming vibe across the venues two floors, with a striking centrepiece bar on the ground floor.
The restaurant opened on Friday 6 January, and manager Charlotte Reeve told exposed: “It’s been a challenge, but we are absolutely loving every minute of it. For the first couple of weeks of January, and in this climate, it’s been way better than we expected.
“It already feels like we’ve been open for months. The people around this area are so lovely and they’re incredibly loyal to the area. There’s a good triangle with the new pubs on the street, and we’re hoping that we can compliment them.
“Word of mouth in this area spreads like wildfire and it’s really important that we make a good first impression. We’re really hoping that we have a good first couple of weeks, a nice January, just to get us on our feet.”
Dariusz added: “There’s still some nerves left, but that’s pushing us on. I’m still very excited. It’s all been so positive, which I didn’t expect, and we’re getting so many bookings.”
To make your booking, give them a call on 07801111727 and give them a nudge on socials here. Holt is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am – 10pm, starting with coffees in the morning through to full dinner service in the evenings.
