Having just enjoyed a few hours geeking up at the new GetIntoGaming event at the Adelphi my compadres and I decided to stay out for one more beer. We would have happily supped away at the Adelphi, but the quiz was in full swing by then and the upstairs room was to be closed. Hmm. Where to go on and drink? Well, it was getting reasonably late, and the Old Red Lion was inexplicably closed (much to our dismay) so we popped into Empire, being as it was right there, new and open.
From the front it looks ma-hoo-sive, but once we entered into the fold a really cosy little surround greeted us. It's all done up in a rustic grey, so it's pretty cool, and the bar is super miniature. We chose the sofa seat to the back of the room and, although I didn't explore, I figure there must be a bigger venue space downstairs as I'm aware these guys hold regular live music gigs. (Which surely can't be upstairs... )
I ended up quizzing the bar man about their beers, who had only been working there for two days bless him, so decided to take the plunge and try something new. They had an array of Belgian fruit beers, which I'm told the owners discovered on their travels, but being as they were only halves, reasonably high percentage and a touch on the pricey side I opted for a Saltaire Brewery bottle of Pale Blond. (Or something along those lines.) I think on another night I'll have to give the others a go, as I don't mind paying a bit more for a nice drink, but on this occasion I wasn't feeling thrifty. Only one real ale on tap, Deuchars, which was off sadly. But, there are plenty of intriguing bottles and a number of lagers to choose from.
The Saltaire blond was lovely, and just under a pint from the bottle for about £3.50. My friend commented that it tasted similar to lager, but I really enjoyed it regardless. It was sort of mid-way between lager and ale, a bit like a Sierra Nevada pale ale in my opinion. His Saltaire Hazelnut Porter was just as delicious. The atmosphere wasn't booming, but to be fair it was a Tuesday night, and if I'm honest I loved that you could sit and hear your conversation. The staff were lovely and friendly and the music was great - not a pop tune in sight - so all in all this bar is one to watch.
I'll have to come back for a gig sometime soon, as I'm sure that is where the personality of the place will kick in. All in all, it's worth a visit, so pop in and check it out! read more