The Grasshopper & The Butterfly Restaurant Review
The newly opened The Grasshopper and The Butterfly, on Roscoe Street, may only have been open for a couple of weeks, but it is beginning to cement a good reputation already by that good old fashioned pre social media method – word of mouth. It resides on the site of the old Roscoe Arms, and a visit to it will give you an indication that a decent budget has been spent on its renovation and rejuvenation. It’s a vast upgrade to what stood before, and indicates the resurgence of the Renshaw Street area.
It’s also nice to see that the connection with that great son of Liverpool, William Roscoe, has continued. Not only is the Grasshopper and The Butterfly on Roscoe Street, but it’s name is taken from the great man’s 1802 poem The Butterfly’s Ball and Grasshopper’s Feast, and this literary theme is continued with the decor. Downstairs houses a bar and comfortable dining area, with upstairs adding the “wow” factor with cocktail bar, private area, plush furnishings and impressive high ceilings. It’s comfortable and luxuriant, without being pretentious. It’s a cool vibe.
The standard of “pub food” in Liverpool has thankfully been on the steady increase over the last 10 years. Any new city centre enterprise wishing to offer a dining experience needs to tick the “gastropub” box, and on this point the Grasshopper and Butterfly does not disappoint. My fellow culinary gastro-naut is a long term Vegan, so was very interested to see what could delight his discerning tastebuds. And he was, on the whole, very impressed. As was I.
We launched into starters of the Honey Glazed Chicken thighs, and the Cauliflower Cons Cous with Pomegranate as the vegan option respectively. Both were delicious. For the mains my friend plumped for the Grilled Cauliflower Steak with Caper, Raisin and Parsley Relish, whilst I again plumped for an item off the small plates, the Grilled Salmon with a warm Potato Horseradish and Pickled Shallots. Again, both dishes extremely well executed, beautifully presented and a delight to our tastebuds. The chips were of a high standard also.
But here comes the proverbial fly in the soup. I thoroughly enjoyed my Clementine Cheese Cake, but there was no vegan desert option on the menu. This is a massive oversight, which when highlighted to the delightful Duty Manager Stephanie, was fully conceded. Also, in hindsight, maybe two cauliflower based dishes was a mistake also for the vegan option.
However, these are teething problems though that can be rectified. The Grasshopper and Butterfly oozes class; they have a talented kitchen brigade, well trained serving staff and a warm and welcoming front of house. It is just what the renaissance of the Renshaw Street area needs. This is a venue that as William Roscoe himself put it , where “…the Revels are now only waiting for you”. So… what are you waiting for?
To find out more and book a table at The Grasshopper and the Butterfly visit their official Facebook Page.
Steve Kinrade
