The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Côte to reopen with new look and summer menu
French favourite returns next week – and Bijou will add to city centre offering
Côte Peterborough will reopen its doors following a total refurbishment of the restaurant space – offering a refreshed, contemporary, yet elegant French-inspired interior in the city centre next week. The planned refurbishment of the Church Street venue is part of the French restaurant group’s recently announced brand evolution programme. Alongside a reinvigorated menu created by new Executive Head Chef Steve Allen – the biggest change to its food offer in its 15-year history, Côte announced the roll-out of a new restaurant design that will offer guests across the UK an elevated dining experience.
When it reopens on Tuesday (June 14), guests at Côte Peterborough will find an elegant and modernised restaurant design inspired by classic French interiors. Normandy artist Claire de Quénetain has worked to deliver the spirit of France with a series of bespoke mural artworks throughout the restaurant, showcasing the brand’s move towards a stylish and informal space that is perfect for both daytime and relaxed evening dining.
To mark the opening, guests at Côte Peterborough will be the first in the country to showcase Côte’s Summer specials. Launching exclusively in Peterborough on June 16 – six days ahead of the restaurant group’s other 84 restaurants – the menu will feature a range of seasonal dishes taking guests on a journey from Normandy to the French Riviera.
Peterborough locals will have the chance to preview starters including a fragrant Charentais Melon sourced from Provence, served with cured Bayonne ham. Main courses include a luxurious Lobster Frites with dill butter, a rich lemon hollandaise and classic frites.
Also on the menu are Breton Tomatoes from Brittany, and for dessert, guests can indulge in an Apricot Tart made with Rhone Valley apricots, French lavender crème patisserie and a tangy raspberry compote.
Those sampling the refurbished restaurant – which opened in 2016 – can claim a delicious praline or espresso martini crêpe for free – simply by stating a secret phrase on arrival. The first 50 guests who say the phrase ‘Magic Crêpe’ to the Côte team will be able to enjoy a crêpe on the house as part of their meal.
Three days later Peterborough city centre’s new cocktails and tapas bar – Bijou – offering coffee, cocktails, wines, drinks, tapas and music opens on Bridge Street (June 17).
It will be set over three floors with outdoor space.
"Enjoy the beautifully designed surroundings of Bijou with our aim being for you to sit back, and relax with the sounds of Chill Out, Soul, Blues, Funk, R&B and Tropical House during the day,” said a spokesperson.
“During the weekend evenings in our Bijou basement we have a mix of Live Jazz, Soul, Acoustic, Funk and R&B bands and artists, plus an array of live DJs too.
"We are also proud to have the legendary Jongleurs Comedy Club nights performing monthly along with other unique nights.”
The first Basement Sessions event will take place on Saturday, June 18 featuring Dan & Izzy from Leicestershire.
More at www.bijoupeterborough.co.uk