A first review for a business is always a responsibility, so hopefully I can give the Pig and Tail the justice it deserves. First off it's a triumph that the building in which it finds itself still exists. I used to live in one of the apartments in Amazon Lofts just opposite so I know the old George and Dragon building so well. I took several photo's over the years and could tell the place had potential, but it was being so badly neglected I was sure it would crumble and be built over. But it was rescued and in what seems to have been a labour of love brought back to life. It's extremely impressive and a genuinely wonderful addition to what is now one of the smartest areas of the city. The developer deserves huge credit.
So the ground floor is given over to the Pig and Tail and the upstairs to apartments. I guess I'd describe it as a modern pub. It has the default 'craft beers' and the currently trendy 'small plates'. Decor is pleasant and there are some very nice touches. The metal and wood tables of different sizes stand out as quality additions, alongside the leather arm chairs and US diner style bench seating. There's an edge of contemporary/retro about the whole place that isn't unpleasant, but it is all as one might expect these days so there's nothing particularly stand out amazing. It's comfortable but safe, so I'd like to see a few more flourishes of imagination especially given the area it sits in. Early days and the basis there with the huge stained glass windows particularly impressive. Look, it's really nice.
Service was pleasant but a little too much checking back for my liking. I prefer unobtrusive, at a distance observation rather than constantly being asked if everything is OK. But I suppose it's better than being completely ignored, so a minor complaint. Whatever, a decent tip was left as I was happy overall.
There was no 'bitter' available apparently, so I randomly selected their Atlantic 'craft beer', which was entirely drinkable. I ordered their rare breed pork and chicken pastry, sweet pea and mint risotto balls, a side of chips and for desert an truly excellent vanilla panna cotta, ginger parfait with rhubarb. It was tasty throughout, nothing overpowering or in-congruent. Portion size was adequate and I cleared the lot without feeling over-stuffed or wanting more. It wasn't wow but it was very decent for the price. All in my bill came to £22 which was about right and perfectly in keeping with other local options.
So a solid 4**** for an excellent addition to an area of the JQ otherwise ignored food and drinks wise. This place has decent wifi, plenty of comfy tables to sit at and work a while, some sockets for your laptop or phone and a good selection of fairly priced food and drink. As such, it's definitely somewhere I would visit regularly if I still lived close by. It's not just a bar or restaurant or pub, it's all those and a chilled out coffee shop too. As such it's multi-functional and exactly what the area needed. It possibly needs just a bit more 'vibe'. At the moment it's lacking the unique personality that would earn it 5*****, but YMMV. read more