Next Door Kitchen and Bar

Oh man, I went to Next Door for my first date with Sir A., literally last year! I remember this day really well because I was a dickweed who left my wallet in the glove compartment of my car, so when we went to split the bill, I had nothing. Sir A., paid for me without complaint and then took us out for milkshakes. I was absolutely mortified and made a huge point of showing him my wallet when he walked me back to my car. He still refused to accept my money as he said guys are used to footing the bill. I'm a strong, independent woman who earns bank! I don't need anyone to pay for me!

Look out for this place!

Its a lovely little place, right in the centre of Gray Street looking out into South Bank.

Lots and lots of tables

They have a massive bar section!

Nice!

We instantly got a bottle of ice cold water to start with.

Reused booze bottle!

Here is their menu! We got their shoestring fries with a wonderful truffled aioli. V., told me that this was really good and she wasn't wrong! Super crispy, well salted shoestring fries and a super truffley, garlicky aioli!

Yesssss

I got this as my entree, a pan fried calamari with crispy onion bits and a salsa verde sauce. It was a very light and refreshing taste, the calamari was super tender. Ehh, I prefer crispy calamari all the time, I would've preferred it that way for sure.

Sir A., got this New York style sirloin steak, it came with thick cut smoked bacon, red wine jus, mashed potato and colcannon aka an Irish dish with mashed potato and crispy kale bits. The steak was a perfect medium rare and melted on the tongue like pure butter, oh man that was a good steak! Even as good as that, the thick smoky chunks of bacon were an absolute delight as well, you can't see any in the picture but they're as thick as your finger nail! Sir A was desperately hoping that I wouldn't ask for any.

Really delicious!

I got their BLT, fancy as anything with its delicious crunchy bacon, ripe tomato, lettuce, bacon jam and aioli on toasted white bread. I really enjoyed this BLT and its the standard by which I measure them now! Every single ingredient was perfect and I would happily go back and order this if it was still on the menu.

Bacon!

Next Door Kitchen and Bar
Atmosphere: 7, I quite liked the physical breeziness of the location. You can do some great people watching there.
Service: 6, really prompt service.
Food: 7, pretty good! I would definitely go here again if I ever remembered that it was there. I don't know why I've never gone back considering I liked nearly everything I ate here.