Our punter says…
Shoreditch urban cool combined with modern cooking and a strong Irish influence describes newly opened Nuala. On arrival, we were warmly greeted by the staff, who made us feel at home and accommodated our seating preference for a window booth. From start to finish the service was excellent – relaxed yet highly attentive and personalised.
The cocktail menu was short but the barman was adept at serving off-menu creations (my wife was driving so asked for a non-alcoholic cocktail). The Shaken Up Serve was a hit, a skilful combination of brandy, vermouth and cinnamon, with a hint of peatiness. We ordered a couple of snacks to go with our drinks – individual mouthfuls of melt-in-the-mouth cod’s roe biscuit with guacamole and fresh foie gras slivers on soda bread.
Mussels (the shellfish of the day) and pistachio beurre blanc to start was a delight. Plump, juicy mussels cooked with stout rather than wine, with samphire adding saltiness. The buttery sauce was enhanced by savoury notes from the beer, an ideal marriage with the accompanying sourdough.
The humble rabbit was celebrated as a main course, with a loin filled with light, nutty stuffing and a full leg on the bone. The meat was incredibly moist and cooked carefully, with crisp skin on the leg. It was further enhanced by a light mustard and herb sauce, and cubes of salt-baked celeriac, which released a hit of creamy nuttiness in the mouth. The waiter suggested a side of baked heritage carrots, which were full of natural sweetness. We were recommended a glass of nebbiolo d’Alba, which had an intense bouquet of autumnal fruits.
To finish, a pumpkin ice cream, silky smooth with salty shards of wafer-thin meringue and chopped walnuts, was perfectly balanced, slightly savoury and beautifully executed.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Nuala was a great experience – original and inventive food, good wine selection, fantastic service and a relaxed, unique atmosphere focussed around the fire pit.
Total for two, excluding service: £127.35 FOOD: 9/10 SERVICE: 10/10 VIBE: 8/10