On a warm sunny evening in June, a band of hungry, thirsty
members of Newark CAMRA were invited to sample the delights
on offer at a new bar/restaurant opening in Newark’s
Castlegate. Run by Liz Livermore and Glenn McGarry, the
Mayze will provide a selection of tapas for the casual ‘snacker’,
plus some very substantial meals for the more serious diner.
Our visit was intended to be a test run to iron out any
unforeseen glitches that can crop up when a new restaurant
is finding it’s feet, though from the efficient way we were
wined and dined, everything appeared to run pretty smoothly.
I was hoping at least for a bowl of soup to land in
someone’s lap (it once happened to me in a swish Covent
Garden restaurant called the Indigo Jones, and I’ve been
waiting for years to see it happen to another unfortunate
soul). No such luck. The staff were far too surefooted and
efficient for that.
A long bar runs near the entrance with the dining area
divided into three areas. The kitchen can be seen behind the
end of the bar through a large window – always a reassuring
feature.Four cask ales were on offer from
Tetleys,
Everards, Burton and
Brewsters (though these may
vary), together with the usual choice of lagers. Draught cider
(Scrumpy Jack) is on tap for apple drinkers. A good selection
of wines are available, and the house red (a Cabernet
Sauvignon) was knocked back with relish. |
There are six tapas
dishes from Potatas Bravas to Toasted Greenlip Mussels, and
the varieties will change from week to week. You can choose
individual dishes for £2.50 each, or get all six for 12 quid.
A drink and a snack – what a great way to spend time.
The main courses of the day are chalked on a blackboard, as
are the desserts.
Glenn’s spent eight years as a chef, and the quality of the
food is a reflection of his experience. The black pudding
rolled in pork that I had was superb, and, judging from the
satisfied faces of my fellow diners, the other dishes were
just as good.
This is a friendly place with a relaxed atmosphere and
deserves success. We wish Liz and Glenn all the best.
HC |
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