Bristol's Old Vic to launch new all-day restaurant next week

Occupying a space in the foyer, the restaurant will open on 24 September, taking its name from the date of the theatre’s inception.

The all-day menu will be created by Italian head chef Coco Barone, who takes her experience from roles at The Glassboat and Rosemarino.

Breakfast dishes will include the likes of waffles with bacon and maple syrup; and halloumi, avocado and roasted tomato on grilled turmeric and chilli bread.

At lunch, the restaurant will offer a daily salad bar, as well as a selection of small plates including deep fried truffle macaroni cheese’ smoked aubergine with roasted chickpeas and pickled shallots; and polenta and parmesan chips with rosemary salt.

Two or three course lunch menus will include starters such as smoked cauliflower veloute with parsley pesto, and mains including smoked haddock pappardelle with parmesan, dill and grain mustard cream with a soft poached egg.

A three-course evening menu will serve the likes of ewes curd with pickled beetroot, almond crumble and orange; and sirloin of Hereford beef with butter, fries and baby gem lettuce.

“In Italy, mealtimes are about bringing people together around the table to share both great food and conversation,” says head chef Barone.

“I believe in allowing the main ingredient in a dish to take the limelight, but I do enjoy adding playful creative twists to dishes and I hope people enjoy these. I can’t wait to get in the kitchen and start cooking.”

The food and beverage offering at the refurbished theatre is being backed by Bristol-based catering company Foster’s Events, whose other clients include the Bath Rugby Club; Brunel’s Old Station at Bristol Temple Meads; and The Orangery at the city’s Goldney Hall.