The Firehouse

With an address as 'The Old Leadworks', you might be mistaken into thinking that you were going to be dining in an old factory on an industrial estate somewhere near the old commercial heart of the city, not so in the case of The Firehouse. It is indeed an old factory building, situated in the old commercial heart of the City. The difference is that this area is no longer industrial, it is now the very modern Harbourside with its waterside walks, bustling bars and entertainment complexes. This is very much the place to be.

We arrived at around 6:30pm and it was no surprise or concern to find that we were amongst the first half dozen people in the place.

The old building has been completely refurbished but has still retained more than a little of its rustic charm. The style of the restaurant is such that you have to walk past the open kitchen to be seated.The two chefs were already busily preparing food but took a moment to smile and acknowledge our arrival. Our waitress gave us menus and took drinks orders.

I was delighted to see that this modern eatery had not succumbed to the popular trend of offering a menu that takes twenty five minutes to get your head around. Instead it is presented on a single sheet of A4 (with the exception of specials which are on the board).

There are Small Plates (starters/light bites), Gourmet Brick Fired Pizzas and Choices from the Rotisserie and Grill which gives the diner plenty of choice without being overwhelmed.

We chose one Cray fish and Rocket Salad with Lemon Tarragon Dressing and Parmesan Toast and the Stone Baked Mozzarella wrapped in proscuitto with vine tomatoes for me.

The friendly waitress was on hand when needed to discuss the finer points of some of the main courses before a choice of Spicy Chorizo Sausage Pizza and my choice of Grilled Cajun Sausages with Caramelized Onions and Horseradish Mash.

The starters and Mains were all beautifully presented, full of flavour and cooked to perfection. By the time we had got towards the end of the starters, customers were arriving in almost a constant stream. As the building filled up it went from being very pleasant when almost empty to a really buzzing friendly atmosphere when two thirds full.

The food was scrumptious and although there were puddings on offer, another late evening meeting beckoned which meant we would sadly have to curtail our visit this time.

For me the Firehouse has cracked what the Alchemists could never manage. They tried in vain to change lead into gold.....This restaurant has changed the old leadworks into a little gem.

Well worth a visit.

Chris Mills

Whats on Bristol Website

25 May 2005