Leicester’s newest restaurant, The Frame, has now opened its doors, promising a Mediterranean menu overlooking St Martin’s Square.
The location of the restaurant can’t be missed. Whether you remember it as 39 Steps, Canvas, or the bridge over St Martin’s Square, we all know it, and now we’re into The Frame era. For now, The Frame is opening the downstairs of the restaurant only, with the upstairs bridge space to follow next month. However the downstairs area (situated just underneath in the former Crafty Sew ‘n’ Sew unit), gives the perfect flavour of what’s to come.
Neutral tones, a beautiful interior and a fantastic welcome from the team are the first things we noticed on walking in. The space, whilst compact, offers a light and airy space with a high bar table in the middle surrounding by smaller tables around the room.
During the launch period The Frame is running a smaller tasting menu, before their full a la carte menu launches with the upstairs of the venue, but there’s still plenty to get excited about.
The Mezze options are all served with light fluffy pitta, with good size portions for sharing between two. Don’t miss the Heydari, which is a beautiful whipped feta base, topped with date molasses and pistachio crumb. The Tzatziki was slightly lighter, but with an added edge as the pickled cucumber and fresh herbs added extra flavour.
The benefit of the smaller Tasting Menu is that we ordered things we might have missed on a larger menu, such as the Corn Ribs. The understated menu item was a highlight of the meal, with the sweetcorn ribs brushed with a beautiful garlic and herb coating. Accompanied by the Halloumi (topped with thyme and black cherries) from the plates section, we couldn’t stop raving about the mix of flavours on the table.
From the Sides section we selected the Hand Cut Chips and Caramelised Sweet Potato. The chips were thick cut, triple cooked and beautifully crispy, served with garlic aioli and topped with plenty of Parmesan cheese. The Caramelised Sweet Potato came baked and halved, topped with a dollop of ricotta and sprinkled with pistachio crumb.
Unfortunately we were too full to sample the dessert options, but choices on the Tasting Menu are Baklava Cheesecake with ginger and pistachio crumb or Coconut Panna Cotta with ember blackberries and blueberries.
As well as the food, the bar offers a good cocktail menu, priced at £9 each and ranging from a Frame Sour and Limoncello Spritz to a Dirty Martini or Espresso Martini. Cocktails are accompanied by a range of beer and wine options, with customers welcome to visit just for drinks without needing to dine.
The service at The Frame was excellent, with a special mention to Danielle who was friendly and attentive throughout.
The Mediterranean menu with Lebanese influences offered in such lovely surroundings is a wonderful new addition to Leicester. Every dish we tried was beautifully prepared, presented and delicious. Perfectly placed in St Martin’s Square, this is just the beginning for the independent restaurant and bar. Once the upstairs space opens customers can look forward to a show kitchen and balcony seating, but why not visit and grab a taste of what’s to come? We’ll certainly be visiting again soon.
The Frame is independently owned and operated, with 2 local Leicester businessmen behind the venture. “We wanted to create something exciting and new. We saw a gap in the market for this kind of food done in beautiful surroundings and we can’t wait for everyone to see what we have planned.”
The Frame is located in St Martin’s Square. You can book online via the website at theframeuk.com.
