The Pickled Onion Restaurant & Bar has long been a beloved destination for food enthusiasts seeking a perfect blend of traditional flavors and contemporary culinary innovation. Nestled in the heart of the city, it offers an inviting atmosphere that effortlessly combines rustic charm with modern sophistication.
Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, an intimate dinner, or a lively evening with friends, the menu at The Pickled Onion promises a diverse array of dishes and drinks designed to satisfy every palate.
From hearty starters to decadent desserts, each item is thoughtfully crafted using the freshest ingredients, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to quality and creativity.
Beyond its culinary delights, The Pickled Onion also boasts an impressive bar selection, featuring classic cocktails, craft beers, and an extensive wine list. The synergy between the kitchen and the bar ensures that every meal is perfectly complemented by a drink that enhances its flavors.
This seamless pairing elevates the dining experience, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors alike. The menu’s balance of traditional British fare and innovative global influences speaks to the restaurant’s dedication to evolving with the times while honoring its roots.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a welcoming place to unwind, exploring The Pickled Onion’s menu reveals a rich tapestry of tastes and textures. The careful attention to detail in every dish and drink is a testament to the passion and expertise of the team behind the scenes.
This comprehensive look into their menu will guide you through the highlights, helping you navigate the enticing choices and discover what makes The Pickled Onion a culinary gem.
Appetizers and Starters
The appetizer section at The Pickled Onion offers an enticing introduction to the meal, designed to awaken the palate without overwhelming it. These starters emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold flavors, setting the tone for the courses to follow.
The selection ranges from light, refreshing bites to rich and comforting options, ensuring that there is something for every appetite.
Each dish is carefully balanced to deliver maximum flavor and texture contrast. For example, their signature Pickled Onion and Beetroot Salad combines earthy sweetness with tangy acidity, creating a vibrant starter that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Another crowd-pleaser is the Scotch Egg, which is elevated by the use of free-range eggs and house-made sausage meat, served with a mustard dipping sauce that adds a subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
Vegetarian options are thoughtfully represented, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to inclusivity and variety. The Roasted Cauliflower Bites, coated in a spicy chickpea flour batter and served with cooling yogurt dip, offer a delicious alternative for those avoiding meat.
Moreover, the seafood lovers can indulge in the Smoked Haddock Croquettes, which feature a creamy, flavorful filling encased in a crispy golden crust.
Selection Highlights
- Pickled Onion and Beetroot Salad: Fresh beets, pickled onions, mixed greens, and a tangy vinaigrette
- Classic Scotch Egg: Free-range egg wrapped in sausage meat, served with mustard sauce
- Roasted Cauliflower Bites: Spiced chickpea batter with yogurt dip (vegetarian)
- Smoked Haddock Croquettes: Creamy smoked haddock, herbs, and crispy coating
“The starters at The Pickled Onion are a perfect prelude — they tease the palate with complex flavors and leave you eager for the next course.”
Main Courses
The main courses at The Pickled Onion showcase a harmonious balance between classic British dishes and contemporary international influences. The kitchen’s skillful use of seasonal produce and premium proteins results in dishes that feel both familiar and refreshingly new.
Diners can expect generous portions that are thoughtfully plated to appeal to both the eye and the appetite.
One of the standout dishes is the Slow-Braised Beef Shin, slow-cooked to tender perfection and served with creamy mashed potatoes and rich red wine jus. This dish exemplifies the restaurant’s dedication to traditional cooking techniques infused with modern flair.
For something lighter, the Pan-Seared Sea Bass offers a crisp skin paired with a bright lemon and caper sauce, accompanied by sautéed seasonal greens.
The menu also caters to diverse dietary preferences with dishes like the Wild Mushroom Risotto, which features an earthy medley of mushrooms and a touch of truffle oil to enhance the umami. For those seeking indulgence, the Roast Duck Breast served with a cherry glaze and roasted root vegetables delivers a sophisticated taste experience.
Comparative Classics
| Dish | Main Protein | Key Flavors | Recommended Pairing |
| Slow-Braised Beef Shin | Beef | Rich, savory, red wine jus | Full-bodied red wine |
| Pan-Seared Sea Bass | Fish | Bright, citrus, caper | Crisp white wine |
| Wild Mushroom Risotto | Vegetarian | Earthy, creamy, truffle | Light red or white wine |
| Roast Duck Breast | Duck | Sweet cherry glaze, savory | Pinot Noir or similar |
“The mains at The Pickled Onion are a celebration of texture and flavor, crafted with precision and passion.”
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
The Pickled Onion takes pride in offering a robust selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, ensuring that plant-based diners are treated to meals full of flavor and creativity. The kitchen embraces seasonal vegetables, legumes, and grains to create satisfying plates that stand on their own merit.
Among the favorites is the Vegan Shepherd’s Pie, which uses lentils and root vegetables in place of traditional meat. The dish is topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection, delivering a comforting, hearty option.
The Charred Cauliflower Steak, served with a smoky harissa sauce and a quinoa salad, is another standout dish that highlights bold, vibrant flavors.
Salads and small plates also feature prominently in this section, with items like the Warm Beetroot and Walnut Salad offering a delightful combination of sweetness and crunch. The use of fresh herbs and house-made dressings further elevates these dishes, demonstrating the restaurant’s dedication to quality and innovation within vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
Plant-Based Delicacies
- Vegan Shepherd’s Pie: Lentils, root vegetables, creamy mashed potato topping
- Charred Cauliflower Steak: Harissa sauce, quinoa salad, fresh herbs
- Warm Beetroot and Walnut Salad: Roasted beets, toasted walnuts, mixed greens
- Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry: Rich coconut base, served with basmati rice
“Inclusivity in dining is at the heart of The Pickled Onion’s philosophy, with plant-based dishes designed to delight even the most discerning palates.”
Bar and Cocktails
The Pickled Onion’s bar menu is a vibrant complement to its food offerings, featuring a curated selection of cocktails, craft beers, and fine wines. Expertly crafted by skilled bartenders, the cocktail list blends classic recipes with inventive twists, ensuring a drink for every mood and occasion.
The signature Pickled Onion Martini is a must-try, combining gin infused with house-pickled onions and a hint of dry vermouth for a unique savory note. For those who prefer something sweeter, the Elderflower Collins offers a refreshing blend of elderflower liqueur, lemon, and soda water, garnished with fresh mint.
The bar also boasts a rotating selection of local craft beers and ciders, showcasing the best of regional brewing talent.
Beyond drinks, the bar provides expert pairing recommendations to accompany meals, enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or simply looking for a well-poured pint, The Pickled Onion’s bar ensures quality and creativity in every glass.
Signature Cocktails
| Cocktail | Main Ingredients | Taste Profile | Best Paired With |
| Pickled Onion Martini | Gin, pickled onion infusion, dry vermouth | Savory, crisp, aromatic | Scotch Egg or Charcuterie |
| Elderflower Collins | Elderflower liqueur, lemon, soda, mint | Floral, refreshing, light | Seafood Starters |
| Smoky Old Fashioned | Bourbon, smoked sugar cube, bitters | Rich, smoky, balanced | Slow-Braised Beef Shin |
“A great cocktail is an extension of a great meal — at The Pickled Onion, the bar and kitchen work in perfect harmony.”
Desserts and Sweet Treats
Desserts at The Pickled Onion are thoughtfully designed to provide a sweet finale that satisfies without overwhelming. The dessert menu changes seasonally to highlight fresh, local ingredients and innovative flavor combinations.
Each dish is presented with care, balancing textures and tastes to create memorable endings.
The Sticky Toffee Pudding is a perennial favorite, featuring moist sponge cake drenched in a rich toffee sauce and served with vanilla ice cream. For chocolate lovers, the Dark Chocolate Fondant offers a decadent molten center with a hint of espresso to deepen the flavor.
A lighter option is the Lemon and Elderflower Posset, which provides a refreshing, tangy contrast to the richer desserts.
Pastries and smaller bites are also available, such as the homemade shortbread biscuits and seasonal fruit tarts, perfect for sharing or as a sweet accompaniment to coffee or tea.
Sweet Highlights
- Sticky Toffee Pudding: Moist sponge, rich toffee sauce, vanilla ice cream
- Dark Chocolate Fondant: Molten chocolate center, espresso notes
- Lemon and Elderflower Posset: Creamy, tangy, refreshing
- Seasonal Fruit Tart: Fresh fruit, buttery pastry, light glaze
“Desserts at The Pickled Onion are crafted to delight all senses, balancing richness with brightness.”
Lunch and Light Bites
The Pickled Onion’s lunch menu offers a selection of lighter dishes that are perfect for a midday meal or casual gathering. These options provide satisfying flavors without the heaviness often associated with larger meals.
The menu includes sandwiches, salads, and small plates, all crafted with the same attention to quality and taste as the main menu.
Popular choices include the Club Sandwich, featuring layers of roasted chicken, bacon, lettuce, and tomato on toasted sourdough, served with hand-cut chips. The Grilled Halloumi and Roasted Pepper Wrap is a vegetarian favorite, combining smoky, salty cheese with sweet roasted vegetables and a zesty dressing.
Freshly made soups also rotate daily, often highlighting seasonal vegetables and herbs.
These dishes are ideal for those seeking a quick yet flavorful meal, whether dining solo or with company. The portion sizes are considerate, allowing room for dessert or an after-lunch drink from the bar.
Light and Fresh Options
- Club Sandwich: Roasted chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, sourdough bread
- Grilled Halloumi Wrap: Roasted peppers, halloumi, mixed greens
- Seasonal Soup: Freshly made, served with crusty bread
- Mixed Leaf Salad: Seasonal greens, house vinaigrette
“Lunch at The Pickled Onion strikes the perfect balance between convenience and culinary excellence.”
Drinks and Beverages
Beyond cocktails, The Pickled Onion offers an extensive drinks menu that caters to all tastes and preferences. From a thoughtfully curated wine list to a variety of artisanal beers and non-alcoholic options, there is something for everyone.
The beverage program emphasizes local producers and sustainable sourcing wherever possible.
Wine selections are categorized by region and style, helping guests easily find the perfect bottle or glass to accompany their meal. The beer list features both classic lagers and innovative craft brews, frequently updated to showcase new arrivals.
Non-alcoholic choices include freshly squeezed juices, herbal teas, and bespoke mocktails, ensuring that all guests can enjoy a flavorful drink.
Staff are well-trained to offer pairing advice and detailed descriptions, enhancing the overall experience and helping diners make informed choices. Whether you prefer a delicate white, a robust red, or an inventive non-alcoholic beverage, The Pickled Onion’s drinks menu is designed to complement and elevate your dining journey.
Beverage Variety
| Category | Examples | Flavor Profile |
| White Wines | Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay | Crisp, fruity, buttery |
| Red Wines | Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon | Light, medium, full-bodied |
| Craft Beers | IPA, Stout, Lager | Bitter, rich, refreshing |
| Non-Alcoholic | Mocktails, herbal teas, juices | Fresh, aromatic, sweet |
“A well-rounded drinks menu transforms dining into a truly immersive experience.”
The Pickled Onion Restaurant & Bar is a testament to the art of combining great food and drink in an inviting environment. The menu’s depth and variety reflect a passion for quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction.
From the carefully curated appetizers to the indulgent desserts, every element has been thoughtfully designed to provide a memorable dining experience. Whether you are seeking a hearty meal, a light snack, or a sophisticated cocktail, The Pickled Onion caters to a wide range of tastes and occasions with style and grace.
What truly sets The Pickled Onion apart is its unwavering commitment to sourcing fresh, local ingredients and crafting dishes that celebrate both tradition and innovation. The synergy between the kitchen and the bar elevates every visit, ensuring that each glass complements the plate it accompanies.
The staff’s attentive service and knowledgeable recommendations further enhance the experience, making every guest feel valued and well cared for.
In a world where dining options abound, The Pickled Onion offers a distinctive blend of warmth, flavor, and excellence. It is a place where casual meets refined, and every meal feels like a special occasion.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring this menu promises a culinary journey that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
