The Pilgrim has officially launched and can be located in the newly opened Duke Street Market. The market itself is proving to be very popular and that comes as no surprise when vendors like the Pilgrim draw the crowds in. The Pilgrim takes over the top floor and foodies can enjoy a unique dining experience while overlooking the bustling food and drink market below.
As you enter the market head upstairs to the 40-cover restaurant. The restaurant is set on a mezzanine and sunny terrace so sit back and watch the chefs cook in the open kitchen. Before heading to the Pilgrim, I heard the food was good but what I was about to be served went above and beyond my expectations.
The menu was inspired by the cities and towns that are found along the northern most route of the Camino de Santiago. As each course was served the staff provided a detailed description of the dish with each one accompanied with a glass of wine. I tried 6 dishes in all and can honestly say I would order all 6 again on my next visit, even the octopus tentacle with guindilla salsa, which I was apprehensive about offered an exquisite taste. Other dishes equally as good included coal roasted courgette with truffled sheeps cheese and for dessert a tasty St James Tart with grilled apricot and fennel ice cream. Delicious.
However, if I had to pick two favourites this would be the smoked butter poached scallop with walnut migas. The scallop was succulent and cooked to perfection with the walnut migas taking it to another level entirely.
The second dish would be the wood fired iberico presa with citrus salt. The pork which comes from the shoulder of the pig melted in your mouth, but it was the citrus salt that made this dish extra special, offering a taste like no other. A truly delightful dish which ill be ordering again at some point very soon. This was fine dining at its best.
Overall a truly great experience. Whether you attend with a friend, partner or within a group, be sure to book in advance as this place will be extremely popular! I highly recommend giving a pilgrim a go on your next outing.
