When private dining events really are all about the food, British, small plates restaurant, Picalilli, in Nottingham’s city centre should come to mind. Independently run with a concept rooted in the seasons, this intimate, atmospheric local gem enthusiastically welcomes groups to its snug restaurant on Cannon Court.
Ideally located, Picalilli is just moments from the Market Square, all the shops and plenty of bars and clubs for later on, in case you fancy staying out until the wee hours. The space itself is ideal for group dining with a cosy feel and flexible floorplan that can stick with smaller, individual tables, or be transformed with banquet-style dining. The back banquette is especially perfect for that with a snuggly, green leather bench and great view of the bar and restaurant. With exposed brick walls, dried wildflower installations and original features like wooden ceiling beams, Picalilli certainly has soul.
Head chef Dan Coles dreams up the menu which puts emphasis on British produce, sourced locally wherever possible, with nods to foraging and eco-friendly practices. Designed as small plates for sharing, it couldn’t be a better shout for bringing people together and there’s plenty of options across meat, fish and vegetable-based dishes. For example, your guests might enjoy a nibble of the cured chalk stream trout with quail eggs, salad cream and pickled cucumber, alongside lamb scrumpet, braised red cabbage, parsnip and capers, and ratte potatoes with shallots, buttermilk, dill and mustard. Beforehand, bites like Devilled eggs with paprika mayonnaise and anchovies hit a trendy note, while afterwards a trip of cheese sourced exclusively from the Midlands is more than something to spread on crackers - it’s a conversation piece.
Seating capacities are not currently announced so do get in touch with the team to discuss your hopes for your event and they’ll do everything they can to make it happen, as well as discuss menu options.