Vaso is Nottingham’s shiny new tapas and wine bar – our food co-editor Julia, AKA The Nottingham Food Guide on Instagram, was first in line to check it out.
If your interests and hobbies are anything like mine, you’ll be thrilled to hear that Nottingham has a brand-new wine and tapas bar.
Vaso has opened on Pelham Street, taking over the old Pelham Street Kitchen premises, and it comes from the exceptional team behind one of Nottingham’s most-loved restaurants, Mesa in Hockley.
The father-daughter duo, Kevin and Naomi Wright, were inspired by their travels across Europe – particularly a little spot they fell for in Bologna.
Vaso leans into the Mediterranean way of life, where you can linger over a glass of wine and something delicious to pick at. Currently, the menu is quite typically Spanish, but they’re not limiting themselves and plan to introduce world tapas as things evolve.
In the kitchen is Brad Filkins, head chef at Mesa, who brings experience from working abroad in Greece as well as time spent as a private chef.
The wine list is interesting and varied. You can try anything from a South African Malbec to a French Gamay, and everything is available by the glass in 175ml pours. There are also a handful of cocktails and beers by the bottle.
The menu is wonderfully snacky – perfect for sharing. The tomato bread and Manchego croquettes were the standouts for our group. As soon as we bit into the pan con tomate, with its touch of confit garlic and lemon, our table immediately said, “Let’s order another plate of that.” The croquettes, meanwhile, are cheesy, crisp and borderline medicinal: rich, golden and just supremely good. You won’t want to share them.
Vaso is a perfect example of taking something simple and elevating it to the sublime
An honourable mention goes to the cheese and charcuterie boards, served with toasted bread and beautifully presented. There are smaller snacks too – gildas, olives, anchovies, chorizo and other little bites that pair perfectly with a glass (or bottle) of wine.
The vibe is cosy, intimate and beautifully styled, all moody red wine tones and shelves lined with bottles. And I love that they serve a tiny bowl of Pom-Bears with your drink – a charming, nostalgic touch.
Skipping dessert would be a tragic mistake. The chocolate ganache with red wine plums and the crème catalana were both outstanding – indulgent and beautifully executed.
Vaso is a perfect example of taking something simple and elevating it to the sublime. An exceptional new addition to Nottingham. I already can’t wait to go back.
Please note, Vaso is walk-in only. Find them at 20 Pelham St, Nottingham NG1 2EG.
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