Located in the premises which some may remember as the County Arms, the Architect is the latest venture from the team behind The Alex on Gwydir Street, which itself has been transformed into one of the hippest drinking spots in the city in the space of a matter of months.
Like its sister pub, The Architect sports a vintagey, industrial-style interior, with mismatched furniture and lots of quirky touches. Large tables lend themselves to communal dining, and drinks-wise you can expect a great selection of craft ales, including lots of appearances from top local breweries.
The big idea is to create city centre pub which feels truly local, with welcoming staff and a sociable atmosphere, as well as serving up consistently excellent food. We love the food concept as well, which centres around a ‘chicken shop’ menu, from which you can order a whole, half or quarter rotisserie roasted free range chicken, accompanied by tasty sides including sweet potato fries, chilli butter and the ‘hardcore’ house slaw.
Elsewhere you’ll find elegant pub grub dishes such as slow roast pork belly (served with champ mash, black pudding and cider gravy) and crab and prawn linguine. There’s a selection of sharing options too, such as Mediterranean Mezze and ham and cheese fondue, which comes with irresistible sounding ham fritters and onion chutney, as well as a range of sandwiches and other light bites. There are a host of brilliant-sounding events planned at the pub, with a monthly supper club starting in January and the ‘Meet Market’ singles night launching on Valentine’s Day (promising a heady combo of cocktails and 80’s classics).
The Architect is launching the first of a series of supper clubs on 4 January. The team will call on local suppliers, growers and brewers to produce a different sumptuous, seasonal menu each month. January’s menu includes goats cheese mousse with winter truffle, Norfolk lobster, roast chicken and chocolate, coffee and amaretto torte. It’s £35 per person, starting 7.30pm. Places can be booked by calling 01223 563779.
For details see The Architect on Facebook
