Mansfield restaurant fighting to make 2020 a success

No. 5 Bistro is nestled in the heart of Berry Hill Quarry and, like all other small businesses in the area were forced to close in March.

Owner Natalie Giles had always planned on a refurbishment, but brought their plans forward to make the most of the restaurant closure.

Natalie explains: “We wanted to be able to seat more customers and to make the most of the space – unfortunately social distancing rules mean we’re still restricted but it was a godsend – we wouldn’t have been able to survive if we didn’t have the bigger space.”

The layout isn’t the only thing that has changed, with the announcement that they had secured the services of a well-known local chef.

Natalie continued: “We were thrilled when Mick Sindall agreed to join us - Mick will be bringing along lots of great experience to the Bistro.”

Mick has 29 years’ experience as a chef, including working as a sous chef at Marco Pierre White’s The Criterion in London.

He explained why he wanted to work at No. 5: “It’s a great restaurant with ambitious owners, and the new menu is brilliant.

"We’re aiming to make simple food that tastes great, with changing specials each week to keep the variety there for the regulars.”

Alongside a new chef and menu, No. 5 have also had to quickly adjust to the ever-changing coronavirus rules – as the new menu launched, the news broke that Nottinghamshire would be entering into tier two, meaning the owners had to once again adapt.

They have established a new outdoor area which sees the introduction of a heated marquee, meaning groups of up to six can mix with other households outdoors while dining or drinking.

To celebrate the launch of their new menu, which sees dishes such as wild boar and chorizo burgers alongside classics such as meatballs and pie of the day, No. 5 Bistro are currently offering 20 per cent off their main menu.

This offer is available all day Tuesday to Thursday and runs until October 29 – for more information call 01623 238186 or see their facebook page No. 5 Bistro.

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Nancy Fielder, editor.